Columbia Valley Pioneer, December 05, 2019

December 5, 2019 Vol. 16/Issue 49

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 December 5, 2019

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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December 5, 2019

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Participants are led through a series of role-play scenarios during The Blanket Exercise workshop.

Submitted photo

Role-playing exercise builds empathy and reconciliation they’re going through. Now I know what it feels like to be ripped away from your family, now I know what it feels like for a parent to have their child taken away, now Role playing colonization and its effects can help in I know what it feels like to have someone say – when efforts toward reconciliation, said Margaret Teneese, ar- you’re coming back (to your reserve) – that you don’t bechivist for the Ktunaxa Nation Council. long here.”

“We always like to go right to reconciliation because Being able to relate to what First Nations people lost it makes you feel good. It gives you the warm fuzzies,” “really allows the participants to be empathetic,” she said, she said. adding that the exercise can be an emotional experience But you can’t arrive at reconciliation without first ac- as participants relate more deeply to what First Nations knowledging the painful truths that stemmed from Can- people endured – from smallpox to residential schools ada’s treatment of those who to having their territory “cut in were here long before the land two by the 49th parallel.” was divided and the borders “You actually participate and you actually After the role-playing exgo through the same feelings that we would ercise, the group will have a were drawn, she said.

To help share those truths, have gone through because you’re in those talking circle where particishe will be facilitating The pants will be able to share their shoes when you’re on those blankets.”

Blanket Exercise, a workshop feelings, ask questions and open to everyone, where parprocess what they’ve learned.

Margaret Teneese, ticipants will role-play scenarThe free workshop will be archivist, Ktunaxa Nation Council ios from First Nations history hosted by Family Dynamix while standing on blankets. and Akisq’nuk First Nation. It “You have to be actively involved,” she said. “This al- is open to anyone who would like to gain a better unlows the participants to take part in . . . the colonization derstanding of colonization and its impacts. Individuals, of indigenous people.” groups and organizations are welcome to attend.

Unlike listening to a presentation, participants will It will take place on Tuesday, December 10th from be immersed in the lesson and in their roles.

9:30 a.m. to noon at the Akisq’nuk First Nation admin“You actually participate and you actually go through istration building. To register, call 250-342-5566. the same feelings that we would have gone through beWhile Ms. Teneese said the exercise can be powerful, cause you’re in those shoes when you’re on those blan- it’s just one step in the journey toward reconciliation. kets,” she said.

“It isn’t just something you cross off your to-do list As the scenarios are read out, she said participants and think that you’ve done what you needed to do,” she will think: “Oh, that’s me . . . OK, now I know what said. “You’re living in our territory.”

By Dauna Ditson reporter@columbiavalleypioneer.com

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?

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December 5, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Love, loss and lingering questions

By Lorene Keitch lorene@columbiavalleypioneer.com Jim Gibb has more questions than answers.

Ten months after his wife passed away from an aggressive form of cancer, Mr. Gibb is left holding a handful of medical records and a headful of questions.

Fairmont Hot Springs residents Jim and Margie Gibb’s winter refuge was a 55-plus community in Tucson, Arizona, where they spent time with friends, golfed, and even celebrated last Christmas with the Canadian Club in their neighbourhood’s community centre.

Early in the evening of January 13th, 2019, Ms. Gibb was overcome with “severe” stomach pain, Mr. Gibb describes. She was taken by ambulance to a Tucson hospital, where she underwent a round of tests including X-rays, ultrasound, MRI and bone scans. The tests showed the “suspected presence of cancer,” Mr. Gibb said.

The hospital in Tucson was prepared to confirm their suspected diagnosis and start treatment right away, he explained. But the couple’s travel insurance company informed the Gibbs they would need to be flown to Canada as soon as they could locate an aircraft and a hospital bed. Mr. Gibb said the insurance representative told them they would be flown to Kelowna.

“I asked about flying to Calgary because of the proximity to our home,” Mr. Gibb said. “I was told that it had to be in British Columbia, no exceptions.”

On the evening of January 14th, the Gibbs were in an air ambulance destined for Canada. Mr. Gibb is sure they were told they would be flown to Kelowna; he remembers Margie commenting that would be fine as they had family in Kelowna and Vernon. But after they had been in the air almost an hour, they were told the plane was actually going to Invermere instead. However, inclement weather forced the plane

to reroute and they ultimately landed at the Calgary airport just before midnight. A waiting ground ambulance drove the Gibbs to the Invermere hospital – a harrowing journey, Mr. Gibb recalled.

Ms. Gibb was at the Invermere hospital for the next three days. She was then given permission to go to Calgary’s Tom Baker Cancer Centre at the Foothills Hospital, where she underwent another four days of tests.

She was told that, because she was a B.C. resident, her treatment would need to be in B.C., though a letter from Foothills indicates if she had chosen to move to Alberta, her treatment could take place there. A Skype conference call was set up between the Invermere hospital and Kelowna hospital for February 7th. From that call, Ms. Gibb was sent directly to the oncology department at the hospital in Cranbrook. Six days later, Ms. Gibb received her first chemotherapy treatment on February 13th, a full month after being diagnosed with suspected cancer.

“The chemo treatment did nothing but ensure that nausea was added to the pain and discomfort that she was already experiencing,” Mr. Gibb said.

Ms. Gibb passed away on February 25th.

“It is incomprehensible in this day and age that Margie had to go through five weeks of indescribable physical, mental and emotional pain, turmoil and anxiety over bureaucratic and governmental bungling. No one should have had to go through the needless ordeal that Margie, family and friends went through,” Mr. Gibb said.

She was a beautiful woman, Mr. Gibb said of his wife. She loved to golf, paint, garden, ski, and windsurf, and had been a dedicated teacher in the school district over her 26-year career.

“She got along with everybody. She was admired by her colleagues and students,” Mr. Gibb shared.

Continued on page 5 . . .

Plastic ocean leads to petition motion

By Dauna Ditson reporter@columbiavalleypioneer.com Steph Van de Kemp was surfing in Indonesia in what would have been a paradise had the water not been so polluted.

“You’d run your hand through the water and it would come up with a plastic bag on it,” she said. “I’ve seen plastic firsthand being a surfer.”

In last October’s municipal election, Ms. Van de Kemp was glad to see that a majority of Invermere residents (69 per cent) were in favour of banning plastic bags in town. But a year later, she’s puzzled about why the ban hasn’t yet come into effect.

While she appreciates that council has had other priorities, she said that the proliferation of plastic waste is “an emergency,” that residents have been clear that they want to get rid of bags and that now is the time to act.

“I think plastic pollution is one of the greatest challenges we face. We need a comprehensive single-use plastic strategy, and banning plastic bags is a great way to start,” she said.

Council attempted to start a committee with residents and representatives from the business community to decide exactly what to do with plastic bags, but no one stepped forward.

“We’ve had a call for committee members and then we had no response so that’s what prompted us to lower that on the priority list,” said councillor Ute Juras.

Ms. Van de Kemp feels that the District of Invermere (DOI) didn’t do enough to let people know they were looking for volunteers. And even if they had, she said a committee seems “redundant” since voters have already given council a mandate to ban plastic bags.

Continued on page 8 . . .

Looking for fun and fitness during the school holiday break this year? Check this out!

Indoor Soccer New Year Camp

Do you have a soccer enthusiast in your family? Would they be interested in a 2-day training camp led by local coaches and grads of CVFC Minor Soccer? Here are all the details:

Thursday, January 2nd, 2020 ~ 11 am to 5 pm and Friday, January 3rd, 2020 ~ 11 am to 5 pm Columbia Lake Rec Centre 3050 Highway 93/95, Windermere, B.C. Anyone between the ages of 9 and 18 is welcome to register.

Fees for this camp will be $60/player (covers both days of camp & refreshment breaks).

To register call Columbia Lake Rec Centre at 250-342-6111 or drop in to register.

Please note: registration will be limited to 48 players and the registration deadline is Sunday December 22, 2019.

4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

RCMP Report

SECURITY • • • •

Est. 2005

Submitted by Cpl. L-P. Gendron-Fafard Columbia Valley RCMP

Uniformed Guards Mobile Patrol Alarm Response Property Checks

www.valleyhawk.com

Licensed & Insured

250-688-HAWK

Invermere & Surrounding Areas

This past week, November 24th through December 1st, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 44 calls for service.

The following are some of the more notable files our officers responded to: • Early in the morning of Friday, November 29th, the Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of overdue hunters. The hunters had left that morning for a day of hunting east of Canal Flats. Before the rescue effort could be coordinated, the complainant contacted police to indicate that the hunters were safe and sound but that their vehicle had gotten stuck in an area without cellular services. Everyone was confirmed to be safe.

• In the early morning of Saturday, November 30th, Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a glass break alarm at the Family Pantry in Canal Flats. Police responded immediately to the report and initiated their investigation into the break and enter. Video footage was obtained from the location, and police are looking for two males.

The first male was wearing a grey and black vertical striped hoodie, a red hat, brown shoes and dark pants with yellow work gloves. The second male wore a black hoodie with white graphics, black pants with black and white Vans shoes. Both males departed on foot northbound and were

December 5, 2019

observed standing in front of the Canal Flats Arena shortly after the break-in. Police did not locate the males through immediate patrols but are following up on tips received. Any information regarding this investigation can be brought to the attention of Cst. Joy by quoting file number 2019-3123 or by contacting Crime Stoppers.

• In the evening of Saturday, November 30th, a police officer from the East Kootenay Traffic Services completed a traffic stop with a Mitsubishi vehicle registered in British Columbia. During the traffic stop, the male driver indicated that he had consumed marijuana approximately two hours prior to driving his vehicle. The officer conducted a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and the driver failed the testing. The driver was issued a license suspension for 24 hours and his vehicle was impounded for 24 hours as well.

• In the evening of Saturday, November 30th, a police officer from the Columbia Valley RCMP completed a traffic stop with a Dodge Ram that was speeding on Hwy 93/95. The driver denied consuming any liquor. The officer requested a mandatory breath sample from the driver.

The sample obtained from the driver was found to be above the Provincially set limit. The driver was issued a driving suspension of 3 days. The vehicle was also impounded for 3 days.

Points to remember when reporting a motor vehicle incident Investments, Insurance & Financial Planning

Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander, Columbia Valley RCMP

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With winter driving upon us I’m often asked what type of information to include when reporting a motor vehicle incident. First and foremost is to consider your own safety. If a motorist is going to stop and provide assistance, the motorist should ensure it is safe to do so. If road conditions are poor or visibility is limited, the motorist should find a safe place to pull over. If the incident occurred in an avalanche zone it may not be safe to stop. Even if an avalanche has already occurred the avalanche hazard may still exist.

When calling emergency services expect to be asked whether you require police, fire or ambulance. If you’re uncertain, all three agencies will often respond.

If the incident occurred in an avalanche zone, emergency responders will contact avalanche experts to ensure the area is safe to enter.

Some important points to remember when you request emergency services are: • Provide as much detail about the scene as you can, including description of the scene, number of vehicles involved, description of vehicles involved, and license plates if possible. This is important so responders can be certain they’re at the right incident. If respond-

ers are only provided vague details it is often necessary to send additional resources beyond the initial scene to ensure there is not more than one incident in the area.

• Provide an accurate location of the incident. If there is no street address or cross street, the simplest method of relaying a location is to reset your trip meter and provide the distance to the closest community or major landmark.

• Provide the number of injured persons and type of injuries. This is important to ensure sufficient resources are being deployed.

Motorists are reminded there is no cell service in Kootenay National Park. There is, however, an emergency call station at Kootenay Crossing which is approximately 43 kilometres north of Radium Hot Springs. This emergency call station will place the caller in contact with the Banff dispatch centre who will advise the appropriate emergency services.

Columbia Valley RCMP would like to remind motorists to drive to the conditions. The posted speed limits are for ideal driving conditions.

Ensure your tires are in good condition and are rated for winter driving. Both the mountain snowflake and all-season mud and snow (M+S) tires meet the B.C. requirement for winter tires.

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December 5, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5 The Best of

. . . ‘Love’ from 3 The couple, who were married on August 3rd, 1968, were the very first to have a wedding reception at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort lodge. For their 50th wedding anniversary, they went there for dinner together.

Had he known what would have transpired by getting on the plane back to Canada, Mr. Gibb said they would have taken their chances with the bill and stayed at the hospital in Tucson where he believes Ms. Gibb could have begun treatment immediately. Or, reflecting back, Mr. Gibb said maybe they would have paid for a commercial flight and flown directly to Kelowna themselves.

Mr. Gibb is taking his story public with the hope of getting some answers, and sharing his ordeal with others so they can learn from his experience.

One of Mr. Gibb’s questions is why he and his wife were not involved in the decision-making for where she would be taken for treatment. He said the decision to send them to Invermere was made unilaterally by the insurance company. The Invermere hospital is a small hospital – “a first aid station,” Mr. Gibb described, certainly not equipped for cancer treatment compared to a massive centre like Kelowna.

The Gibb’s health insurance was through BCAA, which provides travel insurance trough North American Air Travel Insurance Agents Ltd., or TuGo as the company is branded. In a registered letter sent to Mr. Gibb on behalf of BCAA and TuGo, they claim that the plan was always to transfer Ms. Gibb to the hospital in Invermere.

“Dr. McMorran (TuGo’s doctor in charge of overseeing Ms. Gibb’s claim under the policy) decided to arrange for Mrs. Gibb’s return to the hospital in Invermere . . .

The hospital in Invermere would also be able to further investigate the masses on Mrs. Gibb’s ovaries to determine whether Mrs. Gibb had ovarian cancer and if so, the doctors in Canada would determine the treatment plan,” the letter states.

TuGo’s marketing communications and brand manager Melissa Kaerne Manning wrote an email response to the Pioneer’s questions, noting for privacy reasons she cannot go into the details of the Gibbs’ claim. She did write that, in general terms, when it comes to decisions about moving a patient back to Canada, the first priority is always the patient’s wellbeing.

“Most patients want to return to their local hospital to be closer to family and friends, and we make this happen whenever possible,” Ms. Kaerne Manning wrote.

BC Emergency Health Services communications officer Shannon Miller told the Pioneer that to safely transfer a patient from one hospital to another, whether that is within B.C., nationally or internationally, BCEHS works with the health authority partners to identify the appropriate hospital, and ensure the right care team is in place to receive the patient. However, in the case of Margie Gibb, they have no record of a request for a transfer from Arizona.

Once they were back in Canada, Mr. Gibb also wonders why his wife was not sent directly from the Invermere hospital to a cancer centre such as Kelowna. The health

Tickets on sale at Crazy Soles $25 for Toby Creek Nordic Members $30 for Non Members CASH ONLY! Columbia Valley Centre 646 4th Street, Invermere Doors open at 4:30 pm • Show starts at 6 pm Cash bar, pizza, salad and popcorn available!

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DIY Christmas

Jim and Margie Gibb, in happier times.

Submitted photo

“I could kiss the whole works goodbye just to have Margie back.”

Ornaments

Wednesday, December 11th, 3-5 pm

Canal Flats Invermere Civic Centre Library RSVP by RSVP by December 9th December 16th All are welcome!

Snacks will be provided.

Jim Gibb authority in this case was Interior Health. In an email statement, Terri Domin, executive director for clinical operations in East Kootenay, said, “We are sorry for this family’s loss and the challenges they faced with the system which created additional stress during an already tragic time for them. We will review what took place in this case to see if there are things that could have been done differently once this patient reached Interior Health.”

Mr. Gibb still has issues with the travel insurance company and their treatment of his wife, and he has now taken up the case with the BC Patient Quality Care office.

Back home in Fairmont, Mr. Gibb has pored over the details of the file again and again. And still, he cannot figure out why events unfolded as they did. Why were they sent to Invermere instead of Calgary or Kelowna, when doctors in the States had a strong case for Ms. Gibb needing cancer treatment ASAP? Why was she sent from Arizona to Calgary to Invermere to Calgary to Invermere to Cranbrook, all within a month? Why was the insurance company allowed to make the decision for where Margie would be sent? And why, after all they went through, did his wife still die?

“I’m not rich. Not by a long shot,” Mr. Gibb said.

He owns his house and vehicles, he has a few modest investments, and lives comfortably. But, he concluded, “it means absolutely nothing. I could kiss the whole works goodbye just to have Margie back.”

Wednesday, December 18th, 3-5 pm

To RSVP call Family Dynamix at 250-342-5566.

Resource, Development & Advocacy

N E W S PA P E R

Holiday Deadlines Our office will be closed from December 21st, 2019 thru Jan. 2nd, 2020.

Please note our firm advertising deadline: Edition

Booking Deadline

Ad Material Deadline

December 19th

Thursday, December 12th at noon

Monday, December 16th

December 26th

Thursday, December 12th at noon

Monday, December 16th

January 2nd

Thursday, December 12th at noon

Monday, December 16th

Wishing everyone a safe and joyous holiday!

The staff of the Pioneer

The 2020 Calendars are here!

Where Real Estate Happens!

SCOTT WALLACE 250-342-5309

BERNIE RAVEN 250-342-7415

DANIEL ZURGILGEN 250-342-1612

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CHRIS RAVEN 250-409-9323

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE

December 5, 2019

Historical Lens

Travel insurance not a guaranteed security

By Lorene Keitch lorene@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A story appeared online this week about a B.C. resident with no travel insurance stuck in a Thai hospital.

The Nanaimo man fell from a ladder while in Thailand and is suffering from complicated medical issues now.

Mr. Treacher had pre-existing heart and back conditions, making medical insurance prohibitively expensive.

Instead, he set aside $10,000 for emergency coverage should he need it while abroad. The family has started a GoFundMe fundraiser in an effort to raise the $75,000 to bring him home.

We posted the story on the Pioneer Facebook page, with reader feedback noting Mr. Treacher should have bought medical insurance and that this should be a cautionary tale for others. One commenter wrote, “The whole situation is very unfortunate, and of course we feel bad for the man and the family. But the fact of the matter is that he knowingly went to a foreign country and did not have adequate insurance. He took a major risk that everything would be okay, and it wasn’t. Now he is suffering the consequences of an ill-advised decision.”

Now weigh that man’s tale against that of Fairmont Hot Springs resident Jim Gibb (see story, page 3). He and his wife did have adequate travel insurance when they went to the United States. But after his wife’s tragic death, Mr. Gibb is questioning the power of the travel insurance company over Margie’s care.

While in Arizona, she fell sick and, after a trip to an area hospital, she was placed in an aircraft which had been arranged by their travel insurance company TuGo, with an end destination Mr. Gibb insists was decided solely by the travel company. B.C. medical officials confirm that out-of-country patients are sent back to Canada via travel insurance company arrangements. However, the distinction here is that TuGo not only arranged to get Margie back to Canada, they unilaterally decided where she should be sent. A TuGo company representative told the Pioneer they try to get patients as close to their home community as possible. Because of inclement weather, they flew the Gibbs to Calgary, then by ground ambulance to Invermere.

Doctors in Arizona had run some tests on Margie, and had a strong suspicion she was suffering from cancer and needed swift attention. If BC Emergency Health Services had been the entity deciding where to send Margie, they may have sent her directly to Kelowna. Instead, Margie took a number of detours on her way to eventual treatment, but it was too little, too late.

Travel insurance, or no travel insurance, it seems in the case of international health crises, traveller beware.

Because whether you adequately prepared for potential emergencies or not, you might not get what you want or need in the end either way.

Tourism boom to bust This is theDavid Thompson Memorial Fort in the late 1950s. Robert Randolph Bruce had envisioned this building to draw tourists into the valley. However, by the 1950s, it had fallen into some disrepair and disuse, according to historian Ben Bradley, in a report published in the Pioneer in 2014.

Photo (A 1160) courtesy Windermere District Historical Society

Five-year study wraps up Dear Editor: This year Wildsight Golden is wrapping up the Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey (CWWS) project. Initiated in 2015, the CWWS is a five-year coordinated bird count where the major goal has been to mobilize and coordinate citizen-scientists to collect baseline data on birds. Volunteers collect data that will be used to nominate the Columbia Wetlands into the ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Area’ (IBA) program, a global initiative with over 600 sites across Canada. The IBA sites are considered to be the world’s most critical bird (and biodiversity) hot spots.

“By all accounts, I think that this five-year project was a smashing success, in large part owing to the dedicated 230 volunteers that have collected a huge amount of data - over 380,000 birds counted,” states Conservation Biologist Rachel Darvill. “The CWWS data is already being used in a number of ways to help improve management and conservation of Columbia Wetlands habitat.”

This fall the CWWS had a total count of 41,043 individual birds observed over the three dates at 102 survey stations, with 98 volunteers. With the excep-

tion of 2015, which had fewer survey stations and fewer volunteers, this was the lowest fall count that the CWWS experienced. The fall count in 2018 was 57,057 birds; and the fall 2017 count was 50,938 individuals. Reasons for the decline in total number of birds seen in 2019 are unknown. The highest count for an individual bird species was on October 5th with 3,577 American Coots, sighted at 16 survey stations. The second highest single species count was on October 5th with 3,405 American Wigeons.

Some of the more rare sightings included 10 Greater White-fronted Geese, Snow Geese on all dates, and an American White Pelican that was badly injured and (sadly) ended up being euthanized at a Veterinary Clinic. Two species of owl were seen: Great Gray Owl and Northern Pygmy Owl, and nine atrisk bird species were recorded: Western Grebe, Eared Grebe, Horned Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Tundra Swan, California Gull, American White Pelican, Great Blue Heron and Rough-legged Hawk. Also of note: we had our highest count for the red-listed Western Grebe, with 295 individuals reported at 13 survey stations on October 5th.

Continued on page 7 . . .

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

Pioneer

is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Robert W. Doull, President and Publisher, Misko Publishing Limited Partnership.

Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Ave., Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1-855-377-0312 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Amanda Nason

Associate Publisher/ Sales Manager

Lorene Keitch Editor

Steve Hubrecht Magazine Editor/ Reporter

Dauna Ditson Reporter

Lerissa McLaughlin Sales Representative

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design

Amanda Murray

Office Administrator/ Sales

The Columbia Valley Pioneer is available free of charge at more than 137 locations in the Upper Columbia Valley, limited to one copy per reader. We are funded solely through the support of our advertisers. We are published every Thursday. The Columbia Valley Pioneer may be distributed only by its authorized contractors and employees. No person may, without the prior written consent of The Pioneer or its Publisher, take more than one copy of each issue of The Pioneer. The content is protected by copyright. Reproduction by any means is prohibited except with the permission of the Publisher.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

20

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LETTERS

D N ESS DA

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December 5, 2019

Get Your Applications Ready, Canada!

Volunteers undertake the wetlands waterbird survey. . . . ‘Five-year’ from 6 “The CWWS would not be possible without the dedication of the incredible volunteers in our region, and because of the CWWS data I think that we have a very realistic opportunity of obtaining IBA status for the Columbia Wetlands,” states Ms. Darvill. “With a recent report stating that 2.9 billion birds have disappeared from North America since 1970, and with 1 million species currently atrisk of extinction on Earth, I think that

Photo by John Pitcher

it’s a critical time and opportunity to find and conserve the world’s most significant bird and biodiversity hot spots,” she says.

More details on the fall 2019 results of the CWWS, as well as the entire 20152019 project, will be forthcoming in a report available by January 2020. Check out the Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey webpage for details and contact information: www.wildsight.ca/branches/golden/ columbiawetlandswaterbirdsurvey.

Submitted by Wildsight Golden

Get on radon with library kit

To coincide with the National Radon Action Month (every November), the Invermere Radium Public Libraries are both offering a radon detection kit that patrons can borrow to measure radon levels in their homes or places of business. The aim of this lending program is to increase awareness about radon and encourage people to test their homes, as a majority of the exposures occur where people spent most of their time.

Radon detection kits will be available for three-week loan periods. The digital monitors are extremely easy to use: all one has to do is place the device in a specific area of the home, or work, for three to four weeks to determine the radon level in that environment. The kits come with information about the gas, factors that influence indoor levels, and strategies to reduce exposure.

Radon gas is radioactive and comes

from naturally occurring uranium in soils and rocks; it is an odourless, tasteless, and colourless indoor air hazard that can lead to serious health issues. There are several regions in Canada that have higher levels of uranium than others, and parts of the Kootenay / Boundary region fall into that category.

A group of SFU researchers have been working with Health Canada and the BC Lung Association in order to raise awareness of the dangers of radon exposure.

Through a grant, this group has made available radon detection kits to all public libraries in the Kootenays.

The digital monitors used in this program are intended for short-term testing and do not replace the long-term tests recommended by Health Canada. Because the loan period needs to be limited, the intent of providing these devices is to simply allow patrons to get an idea of the radon levels in their home.

Visit invermere.bc.libraries.coop for more information about the Invermere Public Library or visit radium.bc.libraries. coop for more information about the Radium Public Library.

We want to hear from you Email your letters to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com or visit our website at www. columbiavalleypioneer.com. Mail your letters to Box 868, Invermere, V0A 1K0, or drop them in at #8 1008-8th Avenue. Letters to the editor should be sent only to The Pioneer, and not to other publications. We do not publish open letters or third-party

letters. Letters for publication should be no longer than 400 words, and must include the writer’s address and phone numbers.

No attachments, please. Letters may be shortened for space requirements. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, civility and accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the writer, not The Pioneer.

Apply for a $500 award to help your community work towards becoming FireSmart.

- Organize a Clean-up Day - Host a Workshop - Raise Awareness

Applications accepted Nov. 1, 2019 - Jan. 17, 2020

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day events can take place between

Saturday, May 2 - Thursday, October 31, 2020

TOGETHER WE ARE PREPARED www.firesmartcanada.ca/wildfire-community-preparedness-day-2020

Secure Your Water Rights A water licence is required by law for non-household groundwater, well or dugout users in British Columbia.

The Province’s water licensing system helps manage water use in B.C. to sustain environmental, economic and human needs. A water licence gives you a right to water for non-household uses, such as water supply systems, irrigation, industrial and commercial. It also prioritizes your rights over future developments.

Apply today!

Start your application now and learn more at groundwater.gov.bc.ca For more information call FrontCounter BC at 1-877-855-3222

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer Akisqnuk First Nation in partnership with Family Dynamix Association will be hosting

THE BLANKET EXERCISE Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 9:30 a.m. -12 noon

Akisqnuk First Nations, Administration Building, Hwy 93/95, Windermere, B.C. Everyone is Welcome. Please register at 250-342-5566.

?Akisqnuk

First Nations

The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting

Please join us in support of those that have lost a child.

Candles are provided, all are welcome. It is a short service of remembrance.

Sunday, December 8, 2019 at Rotary Park in Cranbrook Candle lighting begins at 7 PM Dress warmly and join us afterwards for hot chocolate & cookies

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

WINTER OPERATIONS The District of Invermere would like to remind everyone to take extra care while travelling during the winter season.

Residential and commercial driveway entrances and sidewalks are the responsibility of the owner to be cleared of windrowed snow and ice to the degree that the mobility of vehicular and pedestrian traffic shall not be compromised.

December 5, 2019 . . . ‘Plastic’ from 3 “People want action. Stop talking about it, and let’s actually just do it,” she said.

Councillor Kayja Becker doesn’t think a committee is necessary either and that there are many other places in the community where volunteers are needed.

“My face is on the petition circulating and my name is on the petition,” she said. “I’m happy to see that individuals do still care.”

But she said that banning plastic bags isn’t her top priority as a council member either.

“Do we really have to make it a rule?” she asked.

Councillor Gerry Taft said the bag ban was: “on the list to discuss, but when we looked at things like the Athalmer land purchase and some of the other projects that we are focused on, although there was a fairly strong majority in the opinion poll, you know, when we stacked it up to all the other issues that we’re dealing with, it just didn’t come as the most urgent.”

He said dealing with plastic bags would also be complicated because the city of Victoria lost a court case over plastic bags, because the federal government is considering regulating bags and because shops at the Crossroads would be able to continue handing out bags as usual even if everyone down the hill complied with the ban.

“We thought this makes sense to kind of pause and wait a bit and see how the issue plays out,” he said.

Mayor Al Miller, who owns Home Hardware, said his store is looking for solutions for the bag situation.

“I will not charge for bags as that goes against my commitment to deliver great service. If people are shopping in our store, I’m going to make sure they get their products home safely. We have considered paper bags as they are recycled easily now. We also sell reusable bags as well,” he said.

Steph Van de Kemp experienced the ocean’s plastic problem first-hand while on her surfing adventures. Submitted photo While he feels that “certainly plastic is top of mind and we need to deal with it, that’s for sure,” he said council isn’t taking an active role on banning bags but intends to support plastic initiatives that may come from the federal or provincial governments.

Ms. Van de Kemp isn’t prepared to wait on other levels of government. Through her petition, which she intends to present to the DOI at the December 10th council meeting, she hopes to convince the DOI and the Regional District of East Kootenay to ban single-use plastic bags and wishes that “the whole wide world” would follow suit.

It’s not hard to ban plastic bags, she said, suggesting that the change could be as simple as having shops sell paper bags at the till if people forget their reusable bags.

Here’s how you can help...

• Be a good neighbour.

• Do not park on the street during a snowstorm or while snow clearing operations are underway.

• Pile snow on the right side of your driveway (when facing the road) if possible when shoveling.

• Remove snow from around fire hydrants on or near your property to enable quick access by emergency personnel if the need arises.

The District apologizes for any inconveniences caused by snow removal operations. For further information, please telephone the municipal office at 250- 342-9281.

The District of Invermere thanks you for your cooperation!

Climate of change A small but commited group of local youth took part in a global Climate Strike for Action on the bitterly-cold Friday, November 29th in downtown Invermere. Pausing from their roadside placard-waving, the youth pose beside Wildsight Invermere’s soon-to-belaunched electric carshare initiative, Spark.

Photo by Lorene Keitch

Magic of Christmas Craft Fair Over 50 Local Vendors – Support Local!

“Rite to Ride” All proceeds from the kitchen to go to DRY GRAD 2020.

will welcome you at the door.

Entry by donation to support this cause!

December 5,October Thursday, November 2019 26,2,2017 2017

Page 9 The Columbia !PUBNAME! Valley Pioneer ••12

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS Keegan Sharp

Slip and slide

PAGE 18 Rockies recap

PAGE 19

What’s Happening Carly Nickurak skates hard then slides across the ice on Lake Windermere during cross training for the Toby Creek Nordic Club. The lake is still thin in spots, so be cautious if you head out.

Photo by Cam Gillies

Your weekly guide to what’s happening around the Columbia Valley PAGE 11

@Pynelogs Fresh Fridays

YOUTH Open Mic Nite - Dec 6 Cinefest Film · Wild Rose - Dec 10 Pynelogs Cultural Centre, art gallery & Cafe allium Hours: Call for more info at 250.342.4423

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 5, 2019

From perogies to paint

By Dauna Ditson reporter@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Galleries Open Late The first Fridays of every month

5-8 p.m.

Art, music, and workshops.

Artist demos and special events.

www.artspotsinvermere.com

Invermere

Basecamp Innovations Ltd.

Paulina Tokarski, who owns Hungry Rooster, is branching out from perogies to paint. While she manages the food truck in the summers, in the cooler months her passions shift from cooking to creating.

“I’ve been painting ever since I can remember,” she said. “I’m very excited to share my love for art.”

When the self-taught artist moved to the valley two years ago, she decided to offer classes from her home studio, Branchout_Creative.

“It’s been pretty fun and popular,” she said. “I really enjoy seeing others explore, learn and play in my art classes.”

Ms. Tokarski teaches acrylic painting, mixed media and more. Her most in-demand class allows budding artists to experiment with ink that reacts to alcohol.

“It’s a really neat medium. It’s special ink that when 99 per cent alcohol touches it, it moves and shifts and sort of explodes on special paper. It’s very transparent and the colours are super vibrant. I always tell everyone it’s a bit of an adventure that you go on. You never know what you might get. You start out wanting trees and it turns out to be a well. So I always tell all my students to have an open mind and just really enjoy the process rather than what comes out of it because normally what comes out of it is something different and they still love it,” she said.

Ms. Tokarski finds much of her inspiration in nature so her art generally features landscapes, trees, forests and flowers. But in her ink and alcohol classes, her students can paint whatever they choose.

“With ink and alcohol it’s really fun because we do everything, any subject, whatever people want to paint.

I help them through the process and it works out real-

Paulina Tokarski is offering art lessons.

Submitted photo

ly great because everyone has their own love for certain things,” she said.

She anticipates teaching classes all through the winter but will be back to the food truck business in the summer. During peak perogie season, she said she’s “usually very dormant and quiet when it comes to art.”

But her painting comes out of hibernation in the winter, her artiest time.

She welcomes any students to try her classes “to learn something new and exciting in an intimate space . . . It’s going to be very personal. I will put a lot of love and attention into each person,” she said.

Ms. Tokarski’s classes are $45 per session. Independent artists are welcome to join her during her open studio time for $15 an hour. She is also taking private bookings for small groups. To find out more or to reserve a spot in a class, visit Branchout_Creative on Facebook.

Art hop your Friday night away Submitted by Art Spot galleries Local Art Spot locations open Friday, December 6th include Bavin Glass, Artym Gallery, Black Star Studios, Effusion Art Gallery+ Glass Studio, Village Arts Society, and Pynelogs Art Gallery. All are hosting special events on the first Friday evening of the month!

Effusion Art Gallery is kicking off the holidays with their annual Winter Whites small works of art show by gallery artists. The Artym Gallery presents the Big Show of Small Paintings. Then pop in and watch Ryan at Bavin Glass create one-of-a-kind blown glass art!

Village Arts will be featuring their festive new holiday window display and the latest work from their 47 artist members. Their latest member is Sheri Debortoli, who crafts healing heat bags to soothe your winter aches and

Under New Ownership

pains, among Village Arts’ many other unique artists. At Black Star Studios, get festive and make an ugly Christmas stocking. Create a stocking that Santa will be happy to fill with more than just coal. Drop in from 4-8 p.m., $25 a person. All supplies are included.

After hitting up the downtown galleries, swing down to Pynelogs to enjoy some live music and a beverage at the end of your Art Spot walk. Starting at 7:30 p.m., young local musicians will hit the Pynelogs stage open mic style. Oso Simple is hosting the event, and you’ll finish your creative evening out with some wonderful performances.

Make the Art Spots First Friday events part of your weekend plans each month, from 5-8 p.m.

Stay tuned for upcoming events and visit www. artspotsinvermere.com for more information.

• Playing all major sport games including NBA Playoff Games and all NHL Playoff Games on our brand new TVs • Live Entertainment every Friday and Saturday

Open daily – 11 am - 2 am

• Kitchen open daily Mon – Sat, 11 am -11 pm.

Sunday, 11 am- 9:30 pm.

1310 7th Avenue, Invermere • Friday & Saturday Pizza and 250-341-3344 • coppercitysaloon.com Appetizers til Midnight.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31st

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: POWERHOUZE BAND (FUNK, POP R&B, REGGAE) & DJ NAJEE V PITCHERS OF 1516 - $15.50 PINTS FOR $4.75 STEAK SANDWICHES – $11

• COMPLIMENTARY CHAMPAGNE • DOOR PRIZES • DRINK SPECIALS • FOOD SPECIALS $15 TICKETS, $20 DOORS • STARTS AT 9 P.M. FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE OR GIVE US A CALL.

December 5, 2019

WHAT’S HAPPENING

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

Buying or selling?

in the Columbia Valley

Submissions must be received by Monday. Priority is given to one-off events. Info@columbiavalleypioneer.com to enter your event in our FREE listings.

Thursday, December 5

• 10 a.m.: Meet local author Roxy Buroughs at the Invermere Library!

Chat about writing and pick up a copy of one of her books.

• 10 -4 p.m.:‘Twas the Book Sale Before Christmas at the Invermere Library Lion’s Den. • 10:30-11:30 Family Play Time at the Invermere Library with Lego, Duplo + Magnatiles!

• 12 p.m.: group fatbike ride at Lake Lillian followed by the annual DERBY! Sponsors - Crazy Soles and Elemental Cycle • 1-3 p.m.: Pickleball at Columbia Lake Recreation Centre.

• 1-3:30 p.m.: Stitch & Chat Knitting Club at the Radium Hot Springs Public Library.

• 2 p.m.: Book launch ‘Healthy Mourning, Happy Loving’ guidebook at Radium Hot Springs Centre.

Sunday, December 8 • 10:30-1 p.m.: Pickleball at Columbia Lake Recreation Centre.

• 11 a.m.: group fatbike ride at Nipika Mountain Resort. Grand opening of the new adaptive/fat bike trails. Sponsor - Nipika Mountain Resort • 1:30 p.m.: Seniors carpet bowling at the Radium Hot Springs Centre.

• 4 p.m.: Winter Wonderland show put on by the Columbia Valley Skating Club at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena Admission by donation.

Where to recycle?

Monday, December 9

Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia • 10 a.m.: Senior Singalong Group meets every Monday at Garden Vilwww.rcbc.ca lage.

• 10-12 p.m.: Pickleball at Columbia Lake Recreation Centre. (Beginner Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR classes at 9:30 a.m.)

File photo

UPCOMING EVENTS Twas the Book Sale Before Christmas

• 10-12pm.: Baby Goose at the Invermere Library for caregivers and babies 0-24 months. September 16 - December 16.

• 10-1 p.m.: Indoor Walking at the Columbia Valley Centre in Invermere. Every Monday and Wednesday. All ages. Indoor shoes required.

• 10:30 a.m.: Seniors Fitness at Invermere Seniors Hall. Cost $2.

• 1:30 p.m.: Carpet Bowling at Invermere Seniors Hall.

• 7 p.m.: Fairmont and District Lions Club meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at the Lions Den. • 7-9 p.m.: Live music every Monday at the Horsethief Creek Pub and Eatery in Radium Hot Springs.

Tuesday, December 10 • 9:30-10:30 a.m.: Momfit and Totfit at Columbia Valley Centre, on now until Dec. 10th. Bring water and indoor shoes for your littles. Running shoes, yoga mat and water required for Mom. • 10-4 p.m.: Windermere museum winter hours.

• 10-12 p.m.: Fairmont and Community Seniors Club meet at The Lions Den in Fairmont for exercise and monthly speakers.

• 1-2:30 p.m.: Free iPad, iPhone and Mac support at Radium Library by appointment. To book appts, call 250-347-2434 • 1:30 p.m.: Games Afternoon at Invermere Seniors Hall.

• 1:30 p.m.: Cards games for seniors at Radium Hot Springs Centre.

• 3-4:30 p.m.: Free iPad, iphone and Mac support at Invermere Library by appointment. To book appt., call 250-342-6416.

• 6:30 pm.: Cinefest Film Series at Pynelogs – Wild Rose. Doors open at 6:30 – Film at 7 pm – Tickets at the door or online at columbiavalleyarts. com • 6:30 p.m.: Second Winds Community band rehearsals. Open for all wind instrument musicians. Canadian Martyrs Church, Invermere.

• 6:30 p.m.: Seniors card games at the Radium Hot Springs Centre.

• 7 p.m.: Trivia night at the Farside Inn every Tuesday • 10 p.m.: Karaoke at the Farside Pub in Fairmont.

Wednesday, December 11 • 10-12 p.m.: Pickleball at Columbia Lake Recreation Centre. (Beginner classes at 9:30 a.m.)

• 10-1 p.m.: Indoor walking at the Columbia Valley Centre.

• 10:30 a.m.: Chair Yoga at Invermere Seniors Hall, $ 2.

• 1:30-3:30 p.m.: Happy Hands Knitting and Crocheting group meeting every Wednesday at Columbia Garden Village.

• 2 pm.: Christmas Silent Auction at the Invermere Public Library closes • 5:15 - 7 p.m.: Drop-in Indoor Soccer for ages 10 to 18 at Columbia Lake Recreation Centre $3 drop-in fee.

• 5:45 p.m. Posada (reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlemen), followed by live nativity at 6:30 p.m. Keeping Christ in Christmas.

Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 712 - 12 Avenue, Invermere • 6 - 8 p.m.: Columbia Valley Youth Network meets at the Riverside Clubhouse in Fairmont every second Wednesday. Visit their Facebook page for details.

• 7 p.m.: Cribbage at Invermere Seniors Hall. $2.

• 7 p.m.: Cribbage at Edgewater Legion. $2.

• 7 p.m.: Wilmer Community Club hosts final bingo night of the year, raisng funds for upgrades to the outdoor rink at the hall.

Where to recycle?

lle y

Saturday, December 7

Fat bikers group ride at Lake Lillian. Dec. 7.

e Co lumbia Va

• 10-12 p.m.: Pickleball at Columbia Lake Recreation Centre. (Beginner classes at 9:30 a.m.)

• 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere Seniors Hall, $2.

• 2-3 p.m.: STEAM Afternoons at the Invermere Library for kids in K-Gr. 3 • 4-8 p.m.: ‘Twas the Book Sale Before Christmas at the Invermere Library Lion’s Den • 5-8 p.m.: Climbing Wall at JA Laird open to the public every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Drop in, $5.

• 6 p.m.: Columbia Valley Car Club meets at Rocky River Grill. 2nd Friday of the month. Dinner 6 p.m., meeting starts 7 p.m. For info, call Vicki 250-342-1257.

• 6 p.m.: Celebrate Global Fatbike weekend with group ride from Greywolf Golf Course. Dinner provided. Bring your own drinks- sponsored

by Canada Rail Vacation • 6 p.m.: Meat Draw and 50/50 at Branch 71 Legion in Invermere. Every Friday and Saturday.

• 7-10 p.m.: Fresh Fridays Open Mic at Pynelogs. Showcasing young talent from the valley. All ages, licensed bar. First Friday of every month October through June.

• DJ at Copper City Saloon.

Cell: 250•341•1395 Toll Free: 1•888•258•9911

vin g th

Friday, December 6

PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

Ser

• 9-10 a.m.: Totfit at Columbia Valley Centre, on now until Dec. 17th.

Bring water and indoor shoes for your littles.

• 10-4 p.m.: Valley Piecemakers Quilt Guild at the Legion. $8 for lunch.

New members welcome. $20 / year membership. Email Valleypiecemakers@gmail.com for info.

• 10:30 a.m.: Stretch and Move Classes for Seniors at Invermere Seniors Hall. Cost $2.

• 10:30 a.m.: Preschool Story Time at the Invermere Library with stories, songs and a craft!

• 12:30-4 p.m.: Radium Art Guild every Thursday at the Radium centre.

New members welcome.

• 1:30 p.m.: Floor curling at Invermere Seniors Hall. $2.

• 1:30 p.m.: Seniors carpet bowling at the Radium Hot Springs Centre.

• 3:30-4:30 p.m.: STEAM Afternoons at the Invermere Library for kids in Gr. 4-7 • 6-8 p.m.: Columbia Valley Youth Network at the Canal Flats Civic Centre. See Facebook page for details.

• 6:30 p.m.: Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament at the Invermere Legion every Thursday. $35 buy in.

• 9 p.m.: Karaoke at Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery every Thursday.

Friday, December 6th, 4-8 p.m.

Saturday, December 7th, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the library mezzanine.

Brought to you by the Friends of the Invermere Library.

invermere.bc.libraries.coop

CVCS AGM

COLUMBIA VALLEY CYCLING SOCIETY

Participate.

Get Informed.

Give Back.

Saturday, December 14 | 7 pm Arrowhead Brewing Company Invermere

columbiavalleycyclingsociety.org

N E W S PA P E R

Holiday Deadlines Our office will be closed from December 21st, 2019 thru Jan. 2nd, 2020.

Please note our firm advertising deadline: Edition

Booking Deadline

Ad Material Deadline

December 19th

Thursday, December 12th at noon

Monday, December 16th

December 26th

Thursday, December 12th at noon

Monday, December 16th

January 2nd

Thursday, December 12th at noon

Monday, December 16th

Wishing everyone a safe and joyous holiday!

The staff of the Pioneer

Can this be recycled?

Thursday, December 12

Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia

• 10:30 a.m.: Preschool Story Time at the Invermere Library with stories, 604-RECYCLE (732-9253) songs and a craft!

1-800-667-4321 • 3:30-4:30 p.m.: STEAM Afternoons at the Invermere Library for kids in Gr. 4-7 Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR

Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia www.rcbc.ca Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 5, 2019

Backyard privacy and rezoning

By Dauna Ditson reporter@columbiavalleypioneer.com

You can look rested, refreshed and younger.

Book your appointment now.

Because you deserve to be fabulous.

Dr. Liesl Davis Aesthetics INVERMERE MARYSVILLE

250.342.3727 250.427.3268

The Big Show of Little Paintings By 30 Gallery Artists

Opens Friday, December 6th – 5-8 pm Show continues until December 24

Pauline Paquin, 16” x 20” oil

View full show online at artymgallery.com 250-342-7566 ~ info@artymgallery.com

Shelley McKersie spoke on behalf of a handful of owners in Fieldstone Glen strata who came to council with her to share their concerns with Highland Crossing Development’s request to develop an access road off 14A Crescent and accommodate 15 more multi-family units.

“This proposed road and sidewalk is directly on the property line and comes within 20 feet of our back decks, leaving no room for any kind of a buffer zone. We feel this will greatly impede our privacy,” she said.

Ms. McKersie invited council to come and see “how extremely invasive this access road is to our senior complex.”

Mayor Al Miller thanked her for her feedback but council did not speak to her concerns. Councillor Gerry Taft said the proposed development will come back to council for a decision at the December 10th council meeting.

Draft Panorama OCP Submitted by Regional District of East Kootenay After several months of consultation, the RDEK will be presenting the draft Panorama and Area Official Community Plan (OCP) to the public next month.

“We have received feedback from the community from our open houses, two surveys, workshops and online engagement tools and all of the feedback provided has been compiled and considered in the preparation of the draft OCP,” says Electoral Area F Director Susan Clovechok.

A summary of the recent survey results has just been posted on engage.rdek.bc.ca. The next step in the process will be a third open house, where the draft OCP will be presented.

The open house will be held December 30th from 2 - 6 p.m. at the Panorama Fire Hall.

“We recognize there is varied ownership within the plan area and that many property owners live outside the area, so we are hoping that by holding the open house at the end of December, many of those owners will be able to attend in person,” adds Ms. Clovechok.

For those that are not able to attend, all of the information that will be presented at the open house will be posted on the Panorama & Area OCP Project Page on engage.rdek.bc.ca and shared via the RDEK’s Panorama email group. The OCP is expected to be complete by mid-2020.

Paul and Catherine Lubitz want to open a medical clinic and residential units at 240 Third Avenue in Athalmer. To do so, their zoning would have to change from “gateway commercial” to “downtown commercial,” which allows for expanded business uses.

Council agreed to send the proposal forward for a public hearing.

“It’s going to be something new for Invermere, and I’m quite excited about it,” said mayor Miller.

A concerned resident asked council if something could be done about the light that shines on the side of Invermere Inn and Suites on 7th Avenue and bothers his friends.

“It’s going right through the night, and it’s an annoyance to them,” he said.

Councillor Ute Juras shared their sentiment: “It’s right behind my TV so I see it all the time,” she said.

Mayor Miller said the DOI will take the issue under consideration.

Invermere housing prices bump up Submitted by Royal LePage The median price of a single-family home and condominium in Invermere rose 10.4 per cent and 5.0 per cent year-over-year to $509,821 and $254,266, respectively.

“Much of the lower-priced housing stock is gone, so we’re seeing a notable resurgence in sales among the $1 million-plus homes that are on the water, pushing up the median price among single-family properties,” said Barry Benson, broker and owner, Royal LePage Rockies West.

Benson noted that the Columbia Valley region remains a popular recreational location for singles and families. There has also been an increase in retirees seeking to live there fulltime and enjoy a more laid-back quality of life.

“It’s a healthy market; retired couples are buying single-family homes to live in and families with smaller budgets are purchasing condos for recreational getaways,” said Benson. “We expect similar healthy sales activity in 2020.”

December 5, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

Columbia Valley Christmas Napa Auto Parts has you covered this holiday season!

Come by and see what we have in store.

150 Industrial Road #2, Invermere • 250-342-4400 Open 7 days a week Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5:30 pm Saturday 8 am – 6 pm and Sunday 9 am - 5 pm

Everything you need for your Christmas dinner!

La Galeria II A Unique Shopping Experience

La Galeria II has been the valley’s best little gem for unique shopping.

It is now the biggest as we have doubled our space this year. This has made it easier to get around and has allowed us to carry an even wider variety of product.

Blue Sky Clothing is our most popular seller with the bamboo fabric as its core feature, but we carry so much more. Winter fashions to keep you cozy in the mountains and summer fashions to keep you cool on the beach.

Toys and cards, bath salts and soaps, we have it all.

Fairmont Plaza, 5 5019 Fairmont Resort Rd.

Delivery now available!

Invermere • Athalmer • Wilmer • Local Hotels Starting at 3 p.m.

460 Sarah Road, Invermere 250-688-3344 • pizzeriamercato.com

La Galeria II A Unique Shopping Experience

The true spirit of Christmas lives here.

Fairmont Plaza, 5 5019 Fairmont Resort Rd.

Distillery and Tasting Room Open 7 days a week Free tours and tastings

VALLEY VOICES presents

FOLLOW THAT

WITH

Looking for that something special? We can help you find it.

THIS CHRISTMAS… Give the gift of health and fitness and let the Columbia Lake Rec Centre help out with our variety of Holiday and New Year gift ideas.

We have something for everyone on your list including:

Friday, December 6 & Saturday, December 7th th

7 p.m. at CHRIST CHURCH TRINITY COFFEE, TEA, GOODIES • RECEPTION TO FOLLOW TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: • THE BIG HORN CAFE IN RADIUM • MOUNTAIN STYLE IN FAIRMONT • INSPIRE FLORAL BOUTIQUE IN INVERMERE

TICKET PRICES:

$10/ADULTS $5/CHILD

(Cash or cheque only please)

www.tayntonbayspirits.com

Let our staff help make your shopping a little less stressful this season.

Come by and see what we have in store.

150 Industrial Road #2, Invermere • 250-342-4400 We’re open 7days a week Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5:30 pm Saturday 8 am – 6 pm and Sunday 9 am - 5 pm

VOICES OF EMP CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND SPECIAL GUESTS

1701 6th Ave Invermere, below the Station Pub

Stocking Stuffer Day Pass Packs Packs of 4 Day Passes for the price of 3

Winter Months Pass Pack

This is a pack of 4 monthly passes for the price of 3

Full Year Fitness Present

2020 annual pass at 25% off the regular price So just drop in to the Columbia Lake Rec Centre (3050 Highway 93/95) or call us at 250.342.6111 to find out more about what the Centre has to offer and to complete all your “health and fitness” Christmas shopping now!

Please note: all promotional prices above end on Dec. 24, 2019.

www.columbialakerec.ca

The Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to families in need over Christmas. Everyone should be able to celebrate the season without the added stress and financial burden that often comes with it, so each family is provided a grocery gift card, a small box of “goodies” and a gift for children aged 12 and under and a gift certificate for teens 12 through 18. In order to do this, the generous support of the Columbia Valley community is needed. There are a variety of ways you can help: 1. Sponsor an individual or family (or families) at a cost of $100-$300/ family depending on the family size. This means you provide the funds to cover the cost of the grocery gift card and also assemble a wrapped gift box of goodies (shoe-box size). If you are unable to assemble the gift box, there is an option to provide an additional $25 to cover that cost.

2. Make a flat donation to the Christmas Bureau.

3. If you are not able to provide funds to cover the cost of the grocery certificate but you want to help, you may choose to donate a box of “goodies”.

4. Donate any items that would be suitable to enclose in a gift box, such as candy, baking, toothbrushes, soaps, dish/face cloths, games, puzzles, crayons, coloring books, scratch tickets, homemade items, etc. These items will then be used by the volunteers to make “goodie” boxes for any unsponsored families.

5. Visit one of the Angel trees at Fields, Red Apple or Main Street Fun and Games, pick up a tag and purchase a gift for a child and/or senior. Return wrapped and labeled gifts to the store by December 13th.

Email cvcb@shaw.ca or call Angie at 250-342-2611 to advise how you would like to support or if you have any questions.

If you are a family in need of support over the Christmas season, registration forms are available at The Family Dynamix Association, Shuswap Band Hall, Akisq’nuk Band Hall, Ministry of Children and Family Development, the Employment Centre and the Canal Flats Food Bank or email cvcb@shaw.ca. Find us on Facebook.

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

RELAX. REWIND. RENEW.

December 5, 2019

Petite spa with a big heart

By Dauna Ditson reporter@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Gift certificates make a great gift Certificates are available in any amount and can be picked up from our location or we can mail it. Purchase them in person by visiting our spa or over the phone 250-341-4030.

Josey Streicek, owner of La Petite Spa Boutique, loves Christmas so much that she and her team want to share it with the Valley and will be awarding Giveback Spa Day prizes to three wonderful people.

The spa day prize packages are for $300, $200 and $150 gift certificates to go toward whatever services the winners would like, from hair to massage to aesthetics.

To nominate the most-deserving person you know, send an email to lapetitespaboutique@gmail.com with the nominee’s name and a paragraph on why your special person deserves a spa day. You can also nominate someone by stopping by La Petite Spa Boutique. Nominations will be accepted until Tuesday, January 7th.

The spa packages can include hairstyling, massages, facials, body treatments, waxing, lashes, gel or acrylic nails, manicures, pedicures and use of the spa’s infrared dry sauna.

Helping out Ms. Streicek with the spa prize packages are Kandi Krebs, who will do hairstyling, Faith Taylor, who will do manicures and pedicures, and Haylee Palmer, who will do massage treatments.

Before Ms. Streicek started her business, she said there was no way she could have afforded a trip to the spa. As a single mom, such luxury hadn’t been an option for her. Now she wants to treat others who deserve some

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Looking for an incredible off-grid property? 120 Acres of Solitude in Paradise by the Purcell Mountains. And a creek runs through the hayfield. 2 Legally Titled Parcels: of 40 acres and 80 acres, the northern portion of the renowned Hidden Valley Ranch.

Please contact Barry for access directions.

Barry Brown-John, Managing Broker, Your “Rocky Mountain LAND MAN”

Licensed w/BC Farm & Ranch • 250-342-5245, Land Development & Consulting w/Rocky Mountain Land Co. Ltd.

Land Act:

Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land Take notice that We, Timber Springs Community Association, of Fairmont Hot Springs, BC, have applied to the British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD), Kootenay Boundary Region, for a Licence of Occupation for walkway, kayak storage, dock storage and group moorage use situated on Provincial Crown Land and Foreshore located on Columbia Lake, in vicinity of Fairmont Hot Springs, BC.

Choose2Care.ca Short-term program Long-term career BC Health Care Assistants

pampering and a confidence boost.

Know a committed volunteer who helps at every event? What about a single parent making sacrifices to give their child the best life possible? Or a mother of five who could use some relaxation? Or someone lovely who simply couldn’t afford a trip to the spa? Nominate them for a chance to win.

Ms. Streicek said the Giveaway Spa Day is “a way of thanking people for supporting my business.”

Another way she and her team are showing their gratitude to the community is with a 15 per cent discount on products and services until Friday, December 20th. To take advantage of the discount, mention Petite15.

“I’m feeling in the giving spirit,” she said. “I love people for sure, and I honestly like making people feel good.”

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

Closed Monday & Tuesday

Launch your career in health care today

La Petite Spa Boutique in downtown Invermere.

FLNRORD invites comments on this application; Lands File 4406056. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Authorization Specialist, FLNRORD, Kootenay Boundary Region, at 1902 Theatre Road, Cranbrook, BC V1C 7G1. Comments will be received by FLNRORD up to January 10, 2020. FLNRORD may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at http://comment.nrs.gov. bc.ca/ for more information.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Learn more about FOI submissions: http://www. gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

NOTICE FOR BIDS Notice is hereby given that the District of Invermere invites Bids on the sale of the vehicles/equipment listed below.

2003 – Dodge Ram Quad Cab 1500 4x4 – 148,530 km approx., 5.7 litre engine, newer automatic transmission, 6 ft. box, truck is blue in colour. Upset price will start at $350.

2005 – Ford F150 Reg Cab 4x4 – 154,700 km approx., 5.4 litre engine, automatic transmission, 8ft box, headache rack & rails, truck is white in colour. Upset price will start at $1,200.

1978 - Ford F350 2WD Reg Cab Dually Flat Deck– Unknown km, V8 engine, standard transmission. Upset price will start at $750.

2000 - F525 John Deere 42” Mower, no upset price.

Purchaser is responsible for their own insurance or temporary permit once ICBC Transfer/Tax Form has been signed.

The District of Invermere has endeavored to describe the vehicle as accurately as possible, no warranty or guarantee is expressed or implied.

Vehicles described above comes as is, where is with absolutely no guarantees.

To view and inspect, please contact Jake Jacobsen at 250-3423215.

Sealed Bids shall be clearly marked (2003 Dodge Ram Vehicle Bid) or (2005 Ford F150 Vehicle Bid) or (1978 - Ford F350 Vehicle Bid) or (F525 John Deere 42” Mower Bid) and received by the municipal office at 914 8th Avenue or by mail to P.O. Box 339, Invermere V0A 1K0 up to 3:00pm December 13, 2019.

The District of Invermere reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

NOTE: Only those winning bids will be notified.

By Dauna Ditson reporter@columbiavalleypioneer.com If Radium council chooses a design soon enough, the artwork that will be featured in the centre of the village’s roundabout could be installed when the intersection between Highway 93 and Highway 95 is rebuilt in 2020.

The village plans to hold a brainstorming day with local stakeholders with hope of sketching out a concept by early January. The issue was discussed at the last Council meeting Wednesday, November 27th.

While council members said it would be ideal to have the centrepiece installed during the intersection construction, mayor Clara Reinhardt said they won’t rush the process unless they find a design they love.

Councillor Mike Grey was adamant about getting the design right.

“Especially now that Rolf ’s place (the Home of a Thousand Faces) is gone, this is going to be the identifying icon of our village,” he said.

Council continues to consider how to manage short-term rentals in the community after local accommodators requested a meeting to discuss their concerns.

Council will hear the business owners out

The infamous Radium peacock, which the Pioneer has been informed is named Percy, can often be found wandering in the village.

He is seen here at the Picadilly motel, where he likes to oversee operations.

Photo by Amber Shingleton before voting on requiring licenses for those operating short-term rentals.

After mayor Reinhardt pointed out that one of the December council meeting falls on Christmas Day, council opted to cancel their December 25th meeting.

The Radium peacock remains at large after he foiled efforts to track him down and take him to a nearby farm. Council still intends to send him to a better place, but it remains to be determined when he will agree to be moved.

Dike study and economic growth in Canal Flats

By Dean Midyette Special to the Pioneer The Village of Canal Flats held a regular meeting of council on Monday, November 25th. Jan Korinek from Urban Systems gave a progress report to council on the Dike Analysis study currently being undertaken. The study has received 100 per cent funding from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) ($150,000) and the Columbia Basin Trust ($18,000) at no cost to local taxpayers. Mr. Korinek reported that the majority of the data needed to prepare a risk assessment has been gathered, with an end goal of identifying high water levels for a one-in-200 year flood event and mitigation strategies for minimizing damage within the Village and surrounding areas. A spring meeting, coinciding with the publication of a final report, will be scheduled in April 2020. Should additional preventative measures be needed, such as increasing the height or length of the current dike, grant money for that capital project is available through the

CEPF. The second presentation to council was from Economic Development Officer (EDO) Chris Fields, who provided those in attendance with an economic development project update. Mr. Fields highlighted the success of a promotional video, “Mountain.Rise.,” posted to a variety of social media which is part of a broader marketing campaign running through 2020. Video production and the EDO contract are funded through the Rural Dividend grant. Mr. Fields concluded by sharing a timeline of the project through 2020. Mr. Fields also provided council with a Beautiful Placemaking Strategy and budget which was accepted by council and will be discussed at a future meeting.

The Revenue Anticipation Bylaw No. 229, 2020 received three readings.

Finally, a committee of the whole meeting will be held in early December.

The village office will be closed for the Christmas holidays from December 23rd through to January 1st, re-opening on January 2nd.

Feeling peckish? Pick up Let’s Eat magazine, on racks around the Valley.

Win $250

Roundabouts and rentals in Radium

Friday Friday Night Shoppi Night Friday Night Dec 12, 2014, 4-8 pm Shopping Fairmont Hot Springs, BC The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

*

December 5, 2019

December 2019, 4-8 4-8 pm pm December13, 8, 2017, Fairmont Hot Springs, BC

Fairmont Hot Springs, BC Begin at the Lion’ s Den behind the mall. Pick up y Begin at the Lion’s Den behind the mall.

Pick up your passport and have it stamped passport andLion’ haves Den it stamped at allmall.merchants w Begin at the behind the at all merchants while you enjoy their Pick up your passport have it stamped specials and and samples. you enjoywhile their you specials at all merchants enjoyand theirsamples.

WIN

Gift Baskets

• Fairmont Community • Maxwell Realty specials and samples.

Association • Poolside Shop • • • • •

La Galeria II Fairmont Hot The Purple Cow • AwSweetSprings Resort Candy Co. Mountain Style • Mountainside • Smoking Waters Coffee Co. Valley Coffee Co. Market Design Fairmont Pizza • FRESHAIR • From Scratch & Ice Cream • Fairmont • La Galeria II Creek Freshair Designs Vacation Rentals

PARTICIPATING VENDORS WIN WIN Gift Brewers Market • The Purple Cow • La Galeria II • Tranquille from participating vendors •

Gift Smoking Waters• From CoffeeScratch Co. • Fairmont Pizza & Ice Cream • The Fa Baskets Baskets - A Mountain Kitchen

from participating *$250participating cash value “Fairmont Dollars” to be spent at participating vendors.

• Fairmont Pizza CreamA Mountain Kitch Mountainside Market • From& IceScratch from • The Purple Cow Gift Shop vendors vendors Fairmont Trading Co. • Fairmont Creek Property Renta • Mountainside Market

*1st Prize – $250 cash to be spent participating * $250valuecash“Fairmont value “FaiDollars” rmont Dollars” to beatspent at participvendors. ating vendors.

SMALL BUSINESS

Big P y

S A T U R D AY D E C E M B E R 1 4 T H , 2 0 1 9

JOIN US FOR: • Complimentary drink with entry • Photo booth with Morgan Odland Photography • COCKTAIL HOUR: 6:30pm • DINNER: 7:30pm • Entertainment by DJ Wild Bill

$50/PER PERSON RSVP TODAY: To book a table, contact our Events Coordinator: salescoordinator@copperpointresort.com

250.341.4006

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 5, 2019

Join us 11 am to 3 pm for a day filled with holiday warmth and festive cheer.

Fill our sleigh with toys and help bring joy to kids in our community this Christmas season.

10%

OF ALL TOY SALES WILL BE DONATED TO Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley

Working hand in hand to give back to olocal communities coast to coast

755-13th Street, Invermere, BC 250-342-0548 • RedAppleStores.com

Downtown Invermere was filled with festive merrymakers, as the annual Light Up event ran all afternoon and evening with holiday cheer. Snowball and gumball drops of savings, activities, and the parade all led to the official Light Up at Pothole Park last Saturday, November 30th.

In the window decorating contest, Lambert Kipp Pharmacy took first place in the People’s Choice Voting; second was Village Arts and third was Summit Footwear. Mayor and Council’s voting placed Black Star Studios as the winner, followed by Inspire Floral Boutique and Village Arts.

Donna Fredin won the participating businesses prize pack. In the parade, corporate entry winner was Copper Point Resort’s Polar Express. Nonprofit was Glacier Peaks Gymanstics’ ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas’, and for small business, Scootin’ Kootenay Tours represented Santa’s Reindeer.

Photos by Dauna Ditson

REMINDER GIFT DISTRIBUTION DATE: December 17th, 1 - 7 p.m. at The Columbia Valley Centre

SPONORED GIFT PACKAGES:

Must be delivered to The Columbia Valley Centre, December 17th, 8 a.m. - noon.

ANGEL TREE GIFTS:

must be returned to Fields, Red Apple, or Main Street Fun and Games by December 13th.

Want to sponsor an individual or family or make a donation? Connect with the Christmas Bureau at cvcb@shaw.ca or call Angie at 250-342-2611.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK COLUMBIA VALLE Y PIONEER SUBSCRIPTIONS

Receive your Pioneer in the mail!

One-year subscription

129

$

99

For only $2.50/week (including the cost of mailing) 6-month subscriptions also available.

N E W S PA P E R

Thumbs up for light up

Contact Amanda at 250-341-6299 ext: 101 for more information.

December 5, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

Canadian Navigable Waters Act Timber Springs Community Association (TSCA) hereby gives notice that an application has been made to the Minister of Transport, pursuant to the Canadian Navigable Waters Act for approval of the work described herein and its site and plans.

Pursuant to paragraph 7(2) of the said Act, TSCA has deposited with the Minister of Transport, on the on-line Navigable Waters Registry (http://cps.canada.ca/) under the NPP File Number 2011-500133 a day use dock on Columbia Lake, below 6035 Columbia Lake Road.

Comments regarding the effect of this work on marine navigation can be sent through the Common Project Search site mentioned above under the Comment section (search by the above referenced number) or, by sending your comments directly to #820-800 Burrard Street, Vancouver BC, V6Z 2J8, if you do not have access to the internet.

However, comments will be considered only if they are in writing (electronic means preferable) and are received not later than 30 days after the publication of the last notice. Although all comments conforming to the above will be considered, no individual response will be sent.

Benjamin Thomsen competes during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Men’s Downhill on January 25th, 2019 in Kitzbuehel, Austria.

Photo by Alexis Boichard/Agence Zoom

Signed at Fairmont Hot Springs this 30 day of November, 2019.

Timber Springs Community Association

Ben Thomsen aims for World Cup podiums

By Dauna Ditson reporter@columbiavalleypioneer.com Last winter Ben Thomsen was ranked 14th in the world in downhill skiing. It was both his best season and “by far the most challenging, demanding season of all,” he said.

At the start of the season, two of his teammates were injured and another announced his retirement.

“In a week’s time it just really felt like I went from having this team . . . and all of a sudden I was pretty much alone,” he said.

Then the skier from Invermere got pneumonia, changed coaching staff and lost his “most important relationship” on the road when the serviceperson who tuned his skis suffered a knee injury.

“It doesn’t matter the challenge or what’s in front of me. You just work as hard as you can and do everything you can to get the result, and you can never lose faith. No matter what, you have to trust yourself, your process, whatever you believe in,” he said. “I think I’m in the stage of my career where I’ve figured everything out that I struggled with before and I’m more mature and more poised.”

Mr. Thomsen hurt his knee in the spring, tearing his patellar tendon halfway through. While he’s feeling better now, his injury meant he wasn’t able to train as much as he would have liked leading up to the 2019/2020 season.

“It’s 100 per cent for racing, but it still gets sore. I can only ski so much and there’s

always in the back of my head ‘what if I damage it more?’ So that’s a tough thing to get over and move forward and do your best with,” he said.

Going into this season, Mr. Thomsen hasn’t set specific goals. Sometimes top 10 in the world seems unattainable; other times he wonders if he’s aiming high enough.

“I would just really like to step it up,” he said. “I’m looking for podiums.”

Two weeks ago, Mr. Thomsen was training at Panorama, but the Valley won’t see much of him from now until the snow melts as he will have fewer than 10 days at home all season. He was at Lake Louise for the Audi FIS Ski World Cup at the end of November, then planned to blitz off for races in the United States and Europe, return to Invermere for New Year’s, head back to Europe, pop over to China, stop at home for a few days and then go back to Europe.

“Don’t get me wrong: it’s awesome.

It’s amazing. But it is very, very hard work and very difficult. We do not get to go out and have days off and experience where we’re travelling to. We’re on at the hill at work all the time in a very stressful environment – a high, high stress environment, high risk environment. It’s challenging, but I wouldn’t change it,” he said.

Mr. Thomsen is hoping to compete in two more Olympics and plans to keep skiing “as long as my body holds up.”

To stay updated on his races and results this season, visit https://alpinecanada.org/team/benjamin-thomsen.

Got a beef ?

Write a letter to the editor. Email letters to lorene@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Box 159, 8866 Grainger Rd., Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0 Phone: 250-349-5462 • Fax: 250-349-5460 • village@canalflats.ca

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT BYLAW The Council of the Village of Canal Flats is considering amendments to the Village of Canal Flats Official Community Plan. If approved, the amendments will add an alluvial fan area map and amend limited specific wording pertaining to the Agricultural Land Commission.

Bylaw No. 228, 2019 cited as “Village of Canal Flats Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 228, 2019” will amend Village of Canal Flats Official Community Plan Bylaw 214, 2019 by: 1. Adding Section 9.1 alluvial fan area map; 2. replacing Section 3.1.11 regarding the risk of flooding in the event of a potential avulsion; 3. deleting Section 3.2.4 regarding the fragmentation of ALR parcels in the Urban Containment Boundary; 4. replacing Section 3.9.3 regarding local and regional trails connecting the Village to Columbia Lake and the Kootenay River will be pursued as shown in the bylaw and with appropriate Provincial agencies; 5. replacing Section 3.10.3 regarding the preparation of a storm water management master plan; 6. adding Clause 7 to Section 4.2 regarding clearing of land in the ALR; 7. replacing Section 4.8 regarding Industrial/Technology Development Permit Areas.

The public hearing will be held at:

Columbia Discovery Centre 8866 Grainger Road Canal Flats, BC Monday December 9, 2019 at 6:30pm

If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may, prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information at the Village Office in Canal Flats from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday; • mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/numbers shown above; or • present written and/or verbal submissions at the hearing.

SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Sylvie Hoobanoff Corporate Officer November 28, 2019

SHUTTER BUGS WELCOME We love a good photo submission. If you have a snapshot to share, email lorene@columbiavalleypioneer.com

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 5, 2019

The future looks sharp for Invermere skier

sponsor, to make his ski racing career possible.

“With a mixture of the generous people and parents working hard and just trying to pull my own weight myself in any way that I can to make some money, you just make it through the season, you deal with it at the end, then you go again,” he said. “There’s no point in giving up on it.

If you love it, and you can always seem to find a way to make it work.”

His dad is Keegan’s primary coach still. While that in itself can sometimes be a challenge, Keegan notes it is also good because his dad knows how far he can push him.

“He knows what works, what won’t work . . . he’s been watching me my whole career.”

By Lorene Keitch lorene@columbiavalleypioneer.com “It’s fast, it’s wild. You have to be pretty much 100 per cent in control of being 100 per cent out of control.”

That’s how Columbia Valley skier Keegan Sharp describes racing in the madly fast world of Slalom and Giant Slalom.

Last season, Keegan achieved a ranking of 14th overall in Slalom on the NorAm Cup Circuit and had three top 10 finishes (Panorama, Sun Valley and the Canadian National Championships). Alpine Canada has spotted his growing success, giving him a spot on the Men’s Canadian Alpine Ski Team for the 2019/2020 season.

“This is a significant accomplishment and one of many important milestones in Keegan’s skiing career,” wrote Team Panorama Ski Club when the announcement was made this past summer. “He has grown up in Panorama (literally) and has been an ambassador and leader of our club for many years.”

Being named to the Men’s Canadian Alpine Ski Team raises his profile, and can provide him with access to more possible sponsorship opportunities, Keegan explains.

Growing up The Sharp family’s lives revolve around skiing. Keegan’s dad Mark was a Canadian national team coach for 15 years with the men’s and women’s teams. His mom Sigrid has been a high-level coach for years, from coaching the provincial team to running the ski program at Panorama alongside Mark.

Keegan was born in Banff. There was really no choice but to ski in the Sharp family. He was first put on skis when he was only 14 months old. When he was in grade 1 or 2, the family moved to the Columbia Valley. The magnetic pull of Panorama Mountain Resort was strong, and the Sharps have stayed in their Lake Lillian-area home ever since.

Keegan Sharp takes a deep turn while racing at Coronet Peak, New Zealand.

Submitted photos

“It’s fast, it’s wild. You have to be pretty much 100 per cent in control of being 100 per cent out of control.”

Keegan Sharp, Slalom and Giant Slalom Keegan grew up skiing at the local mountain, joining Team Panorama as a kid and, when he was around 16 years old, started to travel further afield for races, including across Canada, into the USA, and over to Europe. He says racing has always been his goal.

“Ever since I can remember, it’s never been anything else,” says Keegan. “I couldn’t think of my life without it.”

Panorama has been a great training ground, he comments, with the strong support by resort management for Team Panorama, as well as varied terrain and high-quality snow – “it literally has everything you need,” he describes.

Racing

Keegan now races in the NorAm circuit. An ankle sprain this season caused a small setback, but Keegan is hoping to get back to racing this December. His ultimate goal is to race in the World Cup: “to compete with the best in the world and be right in there with them,” he says.

He is feeling positive about the season, explaining that if he can hit his races with consistently fast times, he could be invited to the World Cup. “I really feel like I’m hitting my stride now, things are clicking (other than the ankle sprain setback),” he says.

He admits the work to get to this point has been hard, but worth every moment. Keegan relies on a few generous people, including his parents as his main

Slalom and Giant Slalom 101 The gates in a slalom course are set about 10 metres apart on average, with roughly 60 turns a course, taking anywhere from 50 seconds to just over a minute to complete, making it the tightest discipline in alpine skiing.

“It’s quite high tempo,” Keegan describes. “It doesn’t really let down.”

Giant slalom gates are set roughly 25 to 30 metres apart, still very high-paced and fun to watch.

Technique is absolutely the difference between good and great in this discipline.

Keegan explains: “There’s so many things that come with it – being good at tucking, aerodynamics, if your hands are too low or too far out, or if your shoulders aren’t forward enough . . it’s just going to drag the wind on you.”

Confidence is the number one goal on race day, Keegan says.

“For me, it’s trust. Making sure I trust myself, and just try not to over-think or overdo anything, because on race day, I can’t change the way I’ve been skiing, I just have to ski. It’s being as relaxed as possible, and trying to go as fast as possible.”

Mark and Sigrid Sharp recognized for excellence in ski world Submitted by Alberta Alpine

careful recruiting of coaches and positive guidance of Ski Club parents. Mark moved to the position of Director, Her family emigrated from Germany, while his Domestic Development and transformed the Canadian pathway originated in Great Britain via Australia, yet it athlete pathway through the Aim-2-Win Long-Term Athhas been Canada, and Canadian ski racing, that has been lete Development Model and the “Rising Stars” camps. the enormous beneficiary of three decades of dedicated Almost every athlete on the current Canadian Alpine passion, excellence and tireless effort from our 2019 Ski Team participated in a Rising Stars camp, a Whistler Honoured Builders, Sigrid and Mark Sharp.

Cup Team or a World Junior Championship Team under Both were drawn to teaching and coaching, and Mark’s leadership. in Panorama in 1988, their careers converged – Sigrid Since 2010, Sigrid and Mark have been working as with the Windermere Ski Club and Mark with Team partners at Team Panorama, while continuing to provide Panorama. From there, they joined the Banff Mountain leadership within the Canadian Ski Coaching Federation, Sigrid and Mark Sharp at the awards ceremony.

Academy and the Avalanche Ski Club. Mark coached the contributing to ongoing projects with Alpine Canada and Alberta Ski Team, then moved to Alpine Canada, workAlberta Alpine, all while also guiding their three boys – Keeing up to the World Cup. While Mark was focused at the elite level, Sigrid was gan, Jedd and Trigg – through all levels of the Canadian alpine ski racing pathway. recruited to lead Team Panorama as Program Director, a club that had seen great With over 30 years of coaching, Sigrid and Mark have worked directly with success in building athletes but was seeking an enthusiastic leader to revitalize the hundreds of athletes and parents. But their coaching methods, energy and passion program. have impacted the entire country. The Sharps were recognized by the Canadian Sigrid poured her passion into building Team Panorama, which has become Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame in a ceremony October 30th in Calgary for their one of Canada’s largest ski clubs, with her enthusiastic leadership, innovative events, lifelong commitment to the sport of ski.

December 5, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

BEY

ND

THE BLUE LINE

The rapid-fire play Friday, November 29th made for an entertaining game for the hometown crowd at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

Photos by Lorene Keitch

Bruins growl and Dynamiters explode against Rockies

By Lorene Keitch lorene@columbiavalleypioneer.com The hometown crowd was treated to a fast-paced feud Friday, November 29th between the Columbia Valley Rockies and the Grand Forks Border Bruins.

The game started strong for the Rockies, with star forward Palmer Sinclair scoring a mere one minute into the first period, with assists by Tristan Lambert and Khale Skinner. But that goal brought out the fight in the Bruins, who quickly tossed two of their own goals on the board in 60 second intervals.

The Rockies’ Brennan Nelson snuck one more goal in the second period, assisted by Zachery Dovichak. But the Bruins pulled their claws out, striking two more

goals. The Rockies didn’t give up without a fight; only 37 seconds left on the final clock, Tristan Lambert, assisted

by Khale Skinner, netted one more goal, ending the night 4-3 for the visitors.

Saturday, November 30th, the Rockies took the road to Kimberley where they met the Dynamiters. The Rockies exploded in the first period with three unanswered goals made by Gavin Fleck, Brennan Nelson and Khale Skinner.

The Dynamiters pulled theirs socks up between first and second, as they threw two past the Rockies’ goalie in the second, followed by another three in the third, ending the game 5-3 for the Dynamiters.

Don’t miss the Rockies in a back-to-back home weekend at the Eddie, meeting the Castlegar Rebels Friday, December 6th at 7:30 p.m., and the Nelson Leafs Saturday, December 7th at 7 p.m.

Minor hockey Rockies play up and down the valley Submitted by Windermere Valley Minor Hockey Society The PeeWee B team won their home tournament this past weekend, going undefeated throughout their 4 games, and allowing only 1 goal from the opposition. The team beat Banff 6-0, Calgary Knights 11-0, Calgary Crowfoot 3-0, and Calgary Springbank (also undefeated in round-robin play) 4-1 in the final game. Jesse MacIntosh and Cohen Lawrick were superior in goal. Players of the game were Thomas Meena, Tesslin Oliver, Finn Donahue and Makenna O’Connor.

The Atom Blue team played and won against Golden on November 23rd. Kadie Schick and Cohen Lamoureux each got their first goals of the season.

The Atom A team travelled to Fernie for a tournament, losing in a shoot-out in the final to a Calgary Tier 2 team, Blackfoot (who were out for revenge). This team was undefeated in the Tier 2 league thus far with our Atoms beating them on Friday 6-0. The team also beat Lethbridge 8-0, Fernie 10-0, and Cranbrook 5-0. Players of the games were Myan Twogood (goalie), Memphis Martin, Tyler McGowan, Jordan Maville and Cooper Cote. Heart and Hustle players were Chayton Martin, Lane Warriner, Gage Nyuli, Jake Gramlich, and Tobin Donahue. The coaches were very proud of the team and

The PeeWee B Team won their home tournament last weekend. Congratulations team!

Submitted photo were impressed by how they worked together as a team.

The Senior Girls travelled this weekend to Maskwacis and Eckville for a couple League games. They came out with one win and one loss. They played two great games and played very well as a team. Goals were scored

by Maddy Roe, Rachel Angebrandt, Naomi Gervais and Sarah VanHoek.

During this past weekend, the Bantam team played in Cranbrook. It was a hard fought game, but they lost 4-1. The goal was scored by Brayden Mastroianni and with an assist by Carson Jefferson. Last week Cameron

The Bantam Hockey team joined up with Hopkins Harvest and a giving back group to sponsor 3 families and 2 seniors for Christmas. They came together and were able to give each family member a few gifts as well as a food hamper! The team all met at Hopkins Harvest Wednesday, November 27th to wrap the presents and assemble the boxes. Hopkins Harvest graciously made the kids pizza to snack on while they were hard at work in the spirit of giving.

Submited photo Howse scored two goals, not 1.

The EK Bantam Zone team also won last weekend at the Vernon Tier 2 tournament, beating Okotoks 7-4 in the final game and winning all their round robin games.

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 5, 2019

Apply now COMMUNITY INITIATIVES AND AFFECTED AREAS PROGRAM Wish to apply for project funding?

The Community Initiatives & Affected Areas Program is now accepting applications for: •City of Cranbrook •City of Fernie •City of Kimberley •District of Elkford •District of Invermere •District of Sparwood •Village of Canal Flats •Village of Radium Hot Springs ADMINISTERED & MANAGED BY

•Electoral •Electoral •Electoral •Electoral •Electoral •Electoral

Area Area Area Area Area Area

A B C E F G

Applications must be submitted using the Trust’s online application system.

Learn more at: www.rdek.bc.ca or contact Tina Hlushak or Shannon Moskal at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335 or CIPApplications@rdek.bc.ca

1.250.489.2791 1.888.478.7335

Apply by 2:00pm, Monday, January 20, 2020

A PROGRAM OF

Copper Point gets gold recognition Copper Point Golf Club received the coveted 2019 PGA of BC Golf Facility of the Year Award at this year’s PGA of BC Awards banquet, held October 16th at the River Rock Casino in Richmond.

Brian Schaal, Copper Point president and general manager, also won the Executive Golf Professional of the Year.

The recognition for the local course continued at the National Golf Course Owners Association golf conference and trade show, where Copper Point won the Great Canadian Idea Fair for their Patio Pitch Off fundraising idea.

Submitted photos

RDEK Representatives INVERMERE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD Are you a book lover?

Do you enjoy volunteering?

Do you believe in public libraries?

Fairmont ladies lunch

If you answered YES to any of these questions, we might have an exciting opportunity waiting for you!

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is looking for three people to represent the RDEK as Trustees on the Invermere Public Library Board as follows: • two people to represent Electoral Area F; and • one person to represent Electoral Area G. To be considered for a position, an applicant must be a resident or elector of the above area(s) and cannot be a director of the RDEK Board, a councillor of the Village of Canal Flats, or an employee of the RDEK, Village of Canal Flats or the Invermere Public Library Board. These volunteer positions are for a two year term to run from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021.

If you are interested, please submit a letter of application and brief resume including reasons for your interest and related experience to Shannon Moskal, Corporate Officer, at the RDEK. IN PERSON at the RDEK Office – 19-24th Avenue South, Cranbrook VIA EMAIL to smoskal@rdek.bc.ca

BY MAIL to 19-24th Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 For information on the Library and the services it provides, please visit invermere.bc.libraries.coop Applications must be received by 9:00 am on Wednesday, December 11, 2019.

1-888-478-7335 | www.rdek.bc.ca

The Fairmont Ladies Social Club met for their monthly luncheon Wednesday, November 27th at Valley Coffee Co., where Kris and Nancy provided an amazing meal that included soup, salads, sandwiches and dessert.

Submitted photo

Powered up Leann Juatco zips around the hallway at David Thompson Secondary School after donations from the Windermere and District Lions Club, Radium Hot Springs Sunrise Rotary Club and individual contributors allowed her family to buy a $9,000 device called SmartDrive to add power to her manual wheelchair.

“I’m shocked and thankful,” she said about the community support.

Leann plans to take visual arts in university and expects that the SmartDrive will help her zip toward more independence.

Photo by Dauna Ditson

December 5, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

HERE TO SERVE YOU

CARPET CLEANING

CONCRETE

READY MIX CONCRETE Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years

TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692

RR#4 2117–13 Ave. Invermere, BC V0A 1K4

For competitive prices and prompt service, call: 250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office)

Cell: 250-342-1273 Fax: 250-342-9644

ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

CONTRACTING

• Ready Mix Concrete • Commercial concrete sealer • Concrete Pumping retarder for exposed • Over 50 colours available aggregate and in stock • DELIVERED ON TIME • Concrete stamps for rent at a fair price • Full range of coloured release • Full range of sand and agents for stamping gravel products.

Dale Elliott Contracting • • • • •

Interior Finishing Kitchen and Vanity Cabinets Countertops Small Renovations Decks and Interior Railings

250-341-7098

Phone: 250-342-5833 • Cell: 250-270-9444

All products are available at 9120, Hwy 93/95 which is five kilometres north of Tim Hortons

INSURANCE

Invermere, B.C.

INSURANCE

Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

• Fireplaces • Commercial and residential • New builds • Renovations.

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

P.O. Box 130 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Office: 250-342-2175 • Fax: 250-342-2669 Cindy.mackay@kootenayinsurance.ca

We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

A licensed, registered and bonded company

BOX 2228 742 - 13th STREET INVERMERE, BC V0A 1K0 P: 250-342-3031 F: 250-342-6945 info@lambertinsurance.ca

Give us a call! James, 250-688-1267 or Jerry, 250-342-5299 Email: jeffersoncontractingltd@gmail.com

www.kootenayinsurance.ca PLUMBING

• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels Tel: 250.341.6075 Fax: 250.341.3427 Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com

1320 Industrial Road #3 Box 159, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

PHARMACY

(Servicing the Valley since 1999)

NEW SEWER CAMERA

• A well maintained septic system • Complete sewer/drain repairs should be pumped every 2-3 years • Reasonable rates – Seniors’ discount • Avoid costly repairs • Speedy service – 7 days a week

J. Douglas Kipp, B.Sc. (Pharm.)

Laura Kipp, Pharm D., Irena Shepard, B.Sc. (Pharm.)

Your Compounding Pharmacy Open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

250-342-6612

Have an opinion?

Email your letter to the editor to lorene@columbiavalleypioneer.com

East Kootenay Plumbing Services & Renovations Available 24/7

Red Seal Journeyman Plumbers/Gasfitters (B)

eastkootenayplumbing@yahoo.com 250-272-3374

Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357 SERVICES

P H A R M A C Y LT D .

Come in and browse our giftware

PLUMBING

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

LAMBERT-KIPP

BOX 459 7553 MAIN STREET RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1M0 P: 250-347-9350 F: 250-347-6350 TOLL FREE: 1-866-342-3031

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM • • • •

Doors Windows Flooring Painting/Interior/ Exterior • Kitchen Renovations • Window Coverings

• Bathroom Renovations • Additions • Decks • Finish Carpentry • Basement Renovations

KITCHEN CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS

492 Arrow Rd., Unit 1B, Invermere • EMAIL: fairmontridge@telus.net • 250-342-4663

Our weekly Out and About features all the local events around the Valley.

Email your event listing to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 5, 2019

Accounting for family

By Dauna Ditson reporter@columbiavalleypioneer.com When Kyla Lam balances her books at Aspire Professional Corporation, her apprentice accountant climbs onto her lap and punches the numbers into her calculator for her.

The accountant and mother, who also teaches courses at College of the Rockies and Mountain Hub, opened her own practice this fall after 15 years in the industry left her wanting more flexibility in her career.

“I found it really hard to balance being a mom and an employee because you have obligations,” she said. “This fits our family way better . . . I can bring my son here, which is a lot harder when you work for somebody else.”

Now she gives Bryce, 4, special jobs like changing the pages on her calendar or puts him to work colouring at his own little desk.

Not only does working with her son allow her to find a balance between her family and her work, it also gives her ample opportunity to teach Bryce about money, lessons she said you’re never too young – or too old – to learn.

“My husband thinks I’m a little bit crazy because I

started taking my kid to the bank when he was about 14 months old,” she said.

Like Bryce, her own earliest memories also include banks. Her mother, who is a retired accountant, used to take Ms. Lam along when she ran her errands and would let her daughter deposit the family’s cheques.

“I definitely did not want to be the kid that grew up to do what their parents did,” she said.

But when she was in university considering going into environmental law, she landed in an accounting class that changed the future she imagined for herself.

“I just realized I was really passionate about it and it was something that came really easy to me,” she said.

“I realized that being an accountant and helping people with things that don’t come as easy to them was how I could make a difference in the world in a real way.”

Now Ms. Lam wants to help small businesses, non-profit organizations and charities with their financial statements and tax returns, “making their life a little bit easier and taking some of the stress away.”

She intends to maintain a small roster of clients so that she can pay close attention to them while also spending plenty of time with Bryce.

Her clients are welcome to bring their children to her

Kyla Lam gets a little help from her young apprentice accountant Bryce.

Submitted photo office during appointments, and a shelf of books and toys awaits the junior partners who follow their parents in.

“If you need to cancel a meeting with me because your kid is sick, I get that,” she said. “This is all about making the mom / work / life balance work and coming from that place with my clients too.

To find out more or book a free consultation, email kyla@aspirecpa.ca or call her at 250-341-5655.

HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES

SERVICES

Scott Postlethwaite

Residential, Commercial Electric Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repair and Service For All Your Electrical Needs

Free Estimates

SERVICES

• Air Conditioning/Heat Pumps • Fireplaces • Full Heating and Ventilation Systems Call for your FREE consultation and estimate

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

invermereelectric@gmail.com WETT Certified

1710 10th Avenue – Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

Judy: (250) 341-1903

SINCE 1991

valleysolutions@shaw.ca

House Checking and more!

Bob: (250) 341-5014

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006

Your Local Advertise Here!

ICBC Glass Repair Out of Province Vehicle Inspections Auto Body Repairs • Painting • Quality Parts

We give all students 15% off with valid student ID

COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE Broker/Owner

8, 1008 8th Ave. Invermere, B.C. Ph: (250) 341-6299 Fax: 1-855-377-0312

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com • info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

All Makes and Models Tire Sales and Installation

141 Industrial Rd. 2 • 250-342-9424 • Open Monday - Saturday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

Wende Brash N E W S PA P E R

North American Warranty

RE/MAX Invermere Independently Owned and Operated 1022B - 7th Avenue, Box 459 Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0 E-mail: wendebrash@telus.net Fax: 250-342-9611

Office: 250-342-6505 • Cell: 250-342-1300

Professionals JanK limeK 250.342.1195 janklimek@shaw.ca JanKlimek.ca

December 5, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS

• Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1-855-377-1312 • Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com • Web: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

ANNOUNCEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

COMMERCIAL SPACE

CONDO FOR RENT

Have a Merry “Real Christmas Tree” Christmas.

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us. Al-Anon meets EVERY Monday in Invermere at 7:15 p.m., at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 712 – 12th Ave (behind the Invermere hospital).

For information, please call 250342-8255.

Cheers to the kind lady who gave a pair of slippers to me as a gift.

This was at the Brisco Christmas Market on Sunday, November 24. I love the slippers and I can’t tell her how appreciative I am!

Cheers to Franzi for always going above and beyond. Your kindness and compassion do not go unnoticed. We are lucky to have such an amazing therapist in the Valley!

Beautiful 800 - 3,200 sq. ft. second floor office space in Radium Hot Springs.

1-403-559-9625.

Akiskinook 1-bdrm furnished end unit Condo/walkout. N/S, N/P, Wi-Fi/Cable included, $950/ mo + Hydro. November to June.

Call/text 1-403-383-0600.

Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 8 p.m. For more information, please call 250342-2424. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere. Radium Friendship Group: Friday at the Catholic Church, East Side of Main St. With the exception of Tuesday, all meetings are open.

Narcotics Anonymous. If Drugs or Alcohol are causing problems or conflict in your life. N.A. can help. All meetings are at 7 p.m. every Thursday every at 4878 Athalmer Rd. Coming December 5th. Tabletop Christmas Trees. Available at Valley Foods and Invermere Home Hardware. $20. All proceeds to the Columbia Valley Christmas Bureau.

IT’S BACK!

Dairyland milk is once again available at…

Jumbo Creek Conservation Society AGM Tuesday Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. in the Lions Club Hall at the Crossroads. Windermere.

CHEERS & JEERS A big Cheers to Dr. Keith Weber for helping me get my health back - we need more like you.

Cheers to the best soul mate ever. I have a wonderful life because of you! I love you!

Cheers to Al and his team at Home Hardware for donating a shed to the gymnastics club to get us through the winter. Much appreciated!

THANK YOU

Thank you!

On behalf of my wife Leslie and myself, we would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to our daughter’s SmartDrive fund. We are pleased to announce that our target of $9,362 was reached and we were able to go ahead and order the SmartDrive for her wheelchair. It goes without saying how grateful we are to live where we do; surrounded by so many people who care and have made this possible for Leann.

We cannot possibly name every individual who donated to this fund, but a heartfelt, big fat thank you goes out to you all. From the people who came to our garage sales and donated, even without buying anything! Everyone who donated though our GoFundMe page including our dear friends and family in England, all our Filipino friends and community, our neighbours and friends. As well, the Radium Rotary Club and their generous donation, along with all the teachers at DTSS. You guys rock!

Finally we would like to thank the Lake Windermere District Lions club for their enormous donation which sent us to our target.

Leann is now in possession of her SmartDrive. Many thanks for the kindness of each and everyone of you.

May M God bless you all.

Mark & Leslie Brough

Cheers to the Frugal Fox! We are thrilled with our findings so far and can’t wait to shop there again.

Jeers to the people who still insist on warming up their vehicles in the winter time, even though we know that the vehicle doesn’t need to be warmed up for anything more than 3 minutes.

Cheers to the Valley Voices Choir who blessed us with beautiful Christmas music on Sunday December 1st. Cheers for community inclusion where others from neighboring homes joined us. Columbia Garden Village and Ivy House.

Cheers to the care staff at Columbia Garden Village and Ivy House. Each one of you work hard to be a team and especially to help the folks we care for. It shows!

Cheers to Kim Hutton, Pat Morrow, The Local View and Kimberley Rae Sanderson for contributing to the canvas project at the Wilmer Hall. The photos look amazing and have added some quality finishings to the hall!

Cheers to retail workers for putting up with the holiday rush hour. You do a great job and you are appreciated more than you know.

Cheers to Mark Topliff Invermere Bylaw officer. This man does more volunteering than anyone I have met here. He is all over and last night (Sat. Nov. 30th) we saw him dancing and flagging traffic downtown at the Santa parade. Always on his time, never on the taxpayer dime. You are so lucky to have him.

Weekly Featured Listing

AFFORDABLE & VIEWS! REASONABLE PAD RENT

$59,000

#38 Green Acres, Dry Gulch MLS®#: 2442033 (Brokerage ~ Rockies West Realty)

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

STORAGE NEWHOUSE STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climatecontrolled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

Have a Merry “Real Christmas Tree” Christmas.

864 sq. ft. Shop space in the Industrial Park. Electrical included, $700/mo. 250-3423637, newmulti@telus.net.

Be Your Own Boss!

Start your own storage business.

4,500 sq. ft. secure and heated office space attached 8’ x 8’ overhead door.

Boats? Cars? ATV’s? Skidoo’s?

Anything Else.

Long term lease available.

Contact Jim 250-341-5845 or Jamie 250-341-7277. jabrgillies@gmail.com.

SUITE FOR RENT Windermere, bright, warm, 2-bdrm lower unit in quiet 4-plex with beautiful views, a large yard area, separate parking and entrances. No Pets, $775.00 /mo.+electricity + D.D. Available Jan. 1st to mature, responsible tenants. References req’d. Call/text: 587-224-3132.

HOUSE FOR RENT Long Term House Rental: 3-bdrm, 2 bathrooms, newly constructed 1,200 sq. ft. bilevel house, washer and dryer, available mid January for rent in Radium. Small pets considered, references required. $1,600/ mo utilities not incl. Email bertschranching@gmail.com or call 1-403-875-8990 for more details.

CONDO FOR RENT Invermere - Furnished Upper Level two-storey Condo, close to downtown. 2-bdrm, 2 bathrooms. N/S, N/P, No Partiers.

References please. Available until June 15th, 2020. $1,250/ mo. Utilities and internet included. 403-978-4559.

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE ACREAGE FOR SALE 4.7 acres. Has its own gravelled access road access from Kootenay #3.

Road already constructed.

Drilled well, views, privacy. $219,000 + GST. Phone Elkhorn Ranch, 250-342-1268.

ELKHORN COUNTRY ESTATES Phases 1 and 2 sold out.

Selling Phase 3 now. 2.5 to 4.7 acre parcels. Starting at $159,000 + GST. No building time commitment.

Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268 www.elkhornranches.com

MISC. FOR SALE Top Quality Hay Round bales.

Stored in shed. Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268.

Popping the big ? this Xmas?

CDN 0.74 CT Diamond ring for sale. CW certification and local professional appraisal. Call 250345-2161.

FIREWOOD Support Rockies Hockey firewood. Contact email cvrockies.firewood@gmail.com or call 250-342-1624 for more info or to place an order.

Split Pine and Fir. We deliver. Call 250-342-5481. 127 Westside Rd.

Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 5, 2019

SERVICES

SERVICES

HELP WANTED

LEE’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIR SHOP

Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Environmentally friendly products. Dry in 1 hour!

Call 250-688-0213 or visit www.heavensbest.ca.

Local Electrical Contractor looking for Journeyman and Apprentice Electrician.

Wage DOE. Email Resume to ekelectric@telus.net.

Specializing in chainsaws, snow blowers, wood splitters and power augers for all your firewood and winter needs.

SAW CHAIN NOW AVAILABLE. Industrial #2 Road across from NAPA Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

250-341-2551 Offering Excellent Service & Fair Pricing!

Spic N Span Cleaning Services Office cleaning.

Now taking new clients.

Please contact Amanda at 250-688-1259 for more information.

Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

Have a Merry “Real Christmas Tree” Christmas.

B.B.’s Home & Lawn Care Services: Handyman Services, Renovations, Moving, Dump runs. House Checks/ Cleaning. Book now for snow removal.

250-688-2897.

HELP WANTED Lido Motel is looking for a Part Time position Saturday and Sunday. 4 hr work day, $15 per hour. Call 250-347-9533 or email resumes to lidomotel@ shaw.ca.

Invermere Petro-Can is currently accepting resumes for F/T and P/T employment. Wages starting at $15/hr. Apply in person to 185 Laurier Street, Invermere between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

THANK YOU

Wanted 2 F/T Restaurant Cooks, Rocky River Grill, 8888 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C. Permanent, F/T shifts, overtime, weekends, days and evenings, $16/hour for 40 hours per week. Overtime after 40 hours. Minimum several years’ experience and completion of Secondary School. DUTIES: Prepare and cook full course meals, prepare and cook individual dishes and foods, ensure quality of food portions, work with minimal supervision, prepare dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances. Inspect Kitchens and Food service areas. Please forward resume to Justin Atterbury by fax 250-342-8889 or email justatterbury@hotmail. com.

Look up to a higher standard with our classified ads.

Pioneer

Classifieds “People Helping People in our Community”

Volunteer Columbia Valley

A new website connecting volunteers with local organizations.

Check it out at

www.volunteercv.ca Create your volunteer profile today.

Watch this section for upcoming volunteer opportunities!

Columbia Valley Maker Space Society We are searching for a variety of core members for the Maker Space Society.

Myth: One big ad will make a big impression.

Reality: The same money invested in a regular series of small ads will yield bigger results. Call Amanda or Lerissa at 250-341-6299 to find out more.

BCYCNA CLASSIFIEDS

BUD HAYNES & WARD’S FALL FIREARMS Auction, Saturday, Dec. 7th at 10 AM. 11802-145 Street, Edmonton, AB. Over 700 Lots, On-Line bidding Antique & Modern Firearms, www.

WardsAuctions.com. To consign, call Brad Ward 780-940-8378; Linda Baggaley 403-597-1095

BUSINESS & CONFERENCE CENTER

Ph: 250-341-6299

Call Davison today!

1.800.218.2909 or visit us at inventing.davison.com/BC

HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT? Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $2,000 yearly tax credit and $20,000 lump sum refund. Expert Help 1-844453-5372.

LEGAL SERVICES Why suffer Employment/ Licensing loss?

Travel/ Business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US Entry Waiver. Record Purge. File Destruction. Free Consultation 1-800-347-2540. accesslegalmjf.com.

SERVICES

Radium Husky

House Winter Special 3-piece fried chicken and side of wedges.

Visit www.volunteercv.ca for more information.

WWW.VALLEYFOUNDATION.CA

Attention

Inventors!

Ideas wanted!

CRIMINAL RECORD?

since 2008. Built with concrete posts. Barns, shops, riding arenas, machine sheds and more. Adam.s@integritybuilt. com. 1-250-351-5374.

Additonal pieces Breast $3.09 • Thigh $2.99 • Wing $ 2.59 Dine in or take out.

SERVICES

GET RESULTS!

Free inventor’s guide!

Williams Lake, BC. Ritchie Bros.

Auctioneers Unreserved Auction, December 13 - Edmonton Site.

The Pioneer Complex Business & Conference Center, 41,000 +/- Sq Ft Multi-Purpose Multi-Tenant Conference Center Building. Jerry Hodge: 780.706.6652; Brokerage: Re/ Max Dawson Creek Realty; rbauction.com/realestate.

Member At Large, Treasurer, Executive Director, Grant Specialists, Business Manager, Program Coordinator.

FOR GOOD. FOR COMMUNITY. FOR EVER.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

AUCTIONS

INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS

info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

8, 1008 8th Ave. Invermere, B.C. Ph: (250) 341-6299 Fax: 1-855-377-0312

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com • info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

BUILDINGS FOR SALE

N E W S PA P E R

N E W S PA P E R

9

Reach almost 2 million people in 95 papers for only $395/week for a 25-word text ad, or $995/week for a formatted display ad

bccommunitynews.com/ advertise 1-866-669-9222

Book by province or whole country and save over 85%!

GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 95 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost 2 million people for only $395 a week for 25-word text ad or $995 for small display ad. Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value.

Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www. bccommunitynews.com/ advertise or 1-866-669-9222.

STEEL BUILDINGS STEEL BUILDING CLEARANCE ...

“FALL BLOWOUT - PRICED TO CLEAR!” 20X25 $6,687. 25X29 $7,459. 28X29 $8,196. 30X35 $9840. 32X37 $9,898. One End Wall Included. Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036 www. pioneersteel.ca

Don’t Miss an Issue!

$ 99 + Tax

4918 Hwy 93, Radium Hot Springs, BC • Open 7 days a week, 7 am – 3 pm

N E W S PA P E R

Read us online:

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

December 5, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

Sobeys Invermere is now accepting applications for the following position:

Deli/À La Carte

Assistant Manager, full-time Must be able to work evenings and weekends.

Please apply at the store. Applications are available at the customer service desk.

Class “3” Propane Drivers Needed ASAP

WE ARE HIRING!

Superior Propane is now hiring Full-time and Seasonal Propane Drivers in Invermere, BC. Class 3A license and 1 year of driving experience required.

Full-time Permanent Positions

Front Desk Attendant Must present a personable, helpful, and professional image.

Front Desk is responsible for checking guests in and out of the resort, entering information into the system and printing reports required for their shift.

Van Driver

Apply Online: superiorpropane.avature.net/careers

By Email: careers@superiorpropane.com Or Fax: 403-730-7512

Must hold a valid BC Driver’s Licence in good standing; must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Duties include but not limited to making delivery requests to specified guest rooms; maintaining driver logs and completing pre-trip inspections; stripping linens from guest rooms and delivering to laundry; delivering supply bins to each building.

Laundry Attendant Must be able to lift up heavy bundles of laundry and push heavy carts without assistance. Duties include but not limited to sorting, washing, drying, folding and stain treating laundry.

WE OFFER COMPETITIVE WAGES AND A GREAT WORKING ATMOSPHERE, APPLY NOW! Please send your resume with a cover letter to: Email: jobs@sunchaservillas.ca Fax: Attention: Employment at 1-250-345-6166

Our deadline to book advertising is Friday at noon.

To place an ad please call: 250-341-6299 or N E W S PA P E R

ads@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Life Skills Worker - Youth Part-time Term Position

Hours: up to 10 hours per week Shift schedule: Days, evenings and weekends as required Start date: ASAP Application deadline: Ongoing until filled Duties: Provides direct goal-oriented assistance to youth between 13 and 18 years of age who have a developmental disability. This assistance can include the development of appropriate social, life or other particular skills by the youth and/ or the development of child management or other parenting skills to families.

Qualifications: Preferably a diploma in a relevant discipline, with one year of related job experience. Other appropriate combinations of education and experience may be considered. A valid B.C. driver’s license is essential. Pursuant to provincial legislation, the applicant must agree to undergo a criminal records investigation. FOODSAFE Level 1 certification or willingness to get it done is a requirement of the job.

Application deadline: Ongoing until filled.

Application process: Submit a resume and cover letter to Purnima Gosavi, Director of Program Management, Family Dynamix, Pgosavi@familydynamix.ca, Box 2289, Invermere, B.C., V0A 1K0

S C H O O L D I S T RI C T NO. 6 ( R O C KY M O UNTAI N)

PERMANENT FULL-TIME CUSTODIAN WINDERMERE ZONE Further position details can be found at: http://www.sd6.bc.ca/Careers/Pages/default.aspx If you are interested and qualified for this position, please submit a resume, with two references, by 4:00 pm on Thursday, December 12, 2019 to: Human Resources, School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain) e-mail: hr@sd6.bc.ca

Is seeking a full-time, permanent

MARKETING MANAGER Copper Point Resort is Invermere’s upscale Resort-Hotel; a perfect complement to year-round luxury, relaxation, fun and athletic appetites. The 180 guest rooms and suites are surrounded by gorgeous Rocky Mountain views, championship golf courses, and nearby ski slopes. In addition, the Resort offers casual upscale dining in Elements Restaurant, relaxing treatments at the tranquil Columbia Valley Spa and Wellness, local artisan products in the Copper Mine Gift Shoppe and a spectacular indoor/outdoor water oasis open all year.

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Marketing Manager.

This position includes coordinating marketing strategies to position Copper Point Resort as the premier accommodator in the Columbia Valley.

RESPONSIBILITIES: • Responsible for the growth and development of all market segments.

• Conduct account and market research to develop strategies to grow market share in specific segments.

• Attend community/corporate events.

• Coordinate all marketing initiatives, promotions and Resort collateral by working with onsite team members and contractors.

• Work alongside the Sales team as they need brochures, menus and posters designed.

• Attend trade shows and participate in property and corporate events as assigned.

• Prepare monthly stats reports, implement action plans and participate in weekly and quarterly meetings.

• Promote and represent the Copper Point Resort brand.

• Monitor and reply to guest reviews.

• Design experience an asset such as social media graphics, menus, posters and email newsletters.

• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: • Minimum 2 years of marketing experience in the hospitality sector.

• Computer literacy (Microsoft Office, internet research, GDS and PMS systems).

• Hospitality Degree or Diploma an asset.

• Energetic and assertive self-starter with highly developed marketing skills.

• Excellent communicator (both verbal and written).

• Superior organization skills; detail oriented.

• Must work well under pressure, both independently and as part of a team.

• Must be networked with industry contacts and have knowledge of the local marketplace.

• Perform at a high level with minimal supervision and committed to meeting timelines/deadlines.

Interested candidates are invited to send their resume to the following Email address. We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Email: gm@copperpointresort.com PH 1-855-926-7737

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 5, 2019

Peak perfection The Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club hosted a regional ski camp November 22-24th for 45 young athletes and nine masters from around the East Kootenays. Participants spent both days skiing at the top of Panorama Mountain Resort in beautiful conditions with local and regional coaches. Everyone had a great time and is looking forward to the season ahead!

Photos by Cam Gillies

THE DISTRICT OF INVERMERE AND FAMILY DYNAMIX PRESENTS

The food bank had a busy year and received lots of community support. Clockwise from top left: groundbreaking; Inspire Floral’s sleigh; Canada Day parade; Red Apple donations.

Submitted photos

Awesome year for food bank

Submitted by the Columbia Valley Food Bank

Due to the generosity and support of many individuals, businesses, organizations, and foundations in the Columbia Valley, 2019 has been an historic year for the Columbia Valley Food Bank. Naturally, the most auspicious event was the opening of our new building, which commenced operations in early November, five months after the initial ground-breaking for the project. The 1,550 square feet per floor will serve this community well for many decades to come, thanks to the donors and supporters mentioned in our letter in the Pioneer on November 14th.

Possibly as a result of the increased visibility of the new facility, we have served more clients and put together more hampers this month than any prior November. Sometimes a higher profile has a dual edge! Our shelves and fridges have been nearly emptied some weeks, and our client service shifts have doubled to help deal with increased demand. At the same time we have also had a significant num-

ber of individuals step up to volunteer to help, and over the next while we will find ways to incorporate their assistance in ensuring that the jobs of collecting from the food bins, sorting, shopping and shelving, bringing in boxes, helping at events, making Edgewater deliveries, cleaning, and serving clients are shared.

During the upcoming festive season, a number of initiatives are occurring to support us. Sobeys’ campaign provides the opportunity to purchase $5 or $10 food bags, Joe’s NoFrills’ Winter campaign runs through December 24th, the Holiday Train arrives in Radium at 5:55 p.m. on December 13th, Valley Foods’ annual giving drive provides a chance to donate needed items for our hampers, and Fairmont Hot Springs Resort has their Christmas promotion at the pools.

Thanks to all of these businesses, and to you for supporting our cause.

For the food bank, the months and years ahead will involve many challenges and opportunities in achieving our mission to provide access to healthy food for individuals and families from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats, and we look forward to working with the larger community in providing food security to our neighbours in need.

Thanks to all for making 2019 an amazing year!

December 5, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

FAITH

Waiting for light to return

By Pastor Murray Wittke Valley Christian Assembly It’s dark outside. It’s gotten darker each day for months and it’s going to get even darker before the light returns. Living in the dark is challenging. Each fall as daylight disappears I feel myself becoming a different person. Dreamlike, I slowly drift between gloomy overcast days and long dark nights. I’m wide awake when I should be sleeping and drowsy during daylight hours. Much like our light deprived houseplants, by December I’m leaning south, longing for the warmth of sunshine on my face. Darkness is difficult.

Long ago the prophet Isaiah spoke to people living in darkness; the darkness of a world without justice, righteousness or peace. Our world knows much about darkness. Darkness dominates the news cycle and darkness

touches us all.

Peering into the future, Isaiah foresaw a day when into this darkness a light would shine. He said “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. For those living in a land of deep shadows…light! Sunbursts of light!” He saw a day approaching when nations would beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; when nation would not take up sword against nation or train for war anymore; when justice would roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream. He saw the first light of this new day shining in the darkness; the birth of a child, a Prince of Peace who would usher in a kingdom of justice, peace and joy.

Light deprived people listened and longed for his arrival.

Then after centuries of waiting, into the darkness of a Judean night, in the middle of nowhere, to parents who were nobodies, the child was born. The darkness was pierced and glory flooded through. A new star blazed in the heavens. The night sky was flooded with bright angels and hymns of praise. Light entered our dark world as a tiny babe. Darkness tried to extinguish it but could not.

Light burst from the grave bringing light and life to all who believe. I’ve seen the light and long for its return.

Light, glorious light is coming back, just wait and see!

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sundays 10:30 a.m.

Worship Service & K.I.D.S. Church 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED Worship every Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Christ Church Trinity, Invermere 1st and 3rd Sunday, 9 a.m. March - December All Saint’s, Edgewater 2nd Sunday, 7 p.m. July-Sept St. Peter’s, Windermere 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.ca

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Sunday 10 a.m.: Worship Services.

Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Blossoming support for local food bank Alita Bentley of Inspire Floral Boutique Ltd. encouraged customers to support the Columbia Valley Food Bank with the store’s ‘Fill the Sleigh’ campaign that ran from November 14-23rd. For each donation, customers received a discount off their total instore purchase.

This year, customers contributed canned goods as well as more than $650 in cash donations. Lawrie Mack, chair of the food bank, said the contribution was greatly appreciated to help fill the shelves at the new food bank location, noting Fill the Sleigh “is one of our favourite campaigns” of the year.

Photo by Lorene Keitch

Holiday train to light up the night

By Lorene Keitch lorene@columbiavalleypioneer.com

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE Lay Worship Services, Sundays at 1:30 p.m.

Christ Church Trinity, 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere (Small Chapel) Pastor Doug Lutz, 250-464-0100 Email: mtzionlc@hotmail.com

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No. 4, 7553 Main St. Radium • 250-347-9937

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m.

Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

President Rick Daniels • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 250-421-3756

The Pioneer can

take you r do llar With 6,400 copies far in circulation each week, th er your message is resonating

!

The brightest train in Canada will chug into the Columbia Valley, as the 2019 Holiday Train is set to stop in Radium Hot Springs next Friday.

“The CP Holiday Train is a program that our 13,000-strong CP family has immense pride in bringing to communities every year. Access to nutritious food is a basic necessity, and food bank usage is on the rise across North America,” writes Keith Creel, CP’s president and chief executive officer, on the holiday train website. “The CP Holiday Train program is our way to help in the fight against hunger by growing awareness of this issue and providing a fun and engaging way for the public to show their support.”

According to CP, the holiday train has raised more than $15.9 million and collected 4.5 million pounds of food since its inaugural journey in 1999.

Musicians Terri Clark and Dallas Smith will put on a

free concert from the train-car stage, while volunteers will be on hand to collect donations for the food bank. Ms. Clark is a three-time Juno award winner, has 19 CCMA awards, and is the newest member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. Mr. Smith is a multi-platinum Juno Award-winning artist.

“Touring with Terri on the CP Holiday Train is an honour and privilege,” Smith said. “I look forward to performing from the train and seeing Canadians giving generously to help their neighbours in communities large and small.”

The holiday train typically is about 1,000 feet long, with 14 brightly-decorated rail cars featuring hundreds of thousands of LED lights and holiday designs.

The holiday train is set to stop in Radium on Friday, December 13th from 6-6:25 p.m on the CP land at the Forsters Road Railway Crossing. Attendees are encouraged to bring healthy food options for the Columbia Valley Food Bank, or cash donations. Donations collected at the Radium stop are kept in the Columbia Valley.

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.: St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats.

Saturday, 5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m.: Canadian Martyrs’ – Invermere Sunday, 11 a.m.: St. Joseph’s – Radium.

Father Jojo Augustine • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167

with residents and visitors alike.

Phone: (250) 341-6299 Fax: 1-855-377-0312 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com N E W S PA P E R

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 5, 2019

Shop well. Eat well. Live well 2019 Canadian Grocer of the Year

906 - 7th Avenue, Invermere Join us on

Ten plus local vendors sampling their wares

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Creston Pickle Patch Medley

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